A Portadown veteran has raised more than £8,000 over four years through street sit-outs, with his latest 72-hour effort completed for Help for Heroes. The fundraiser, identified only as Joe, extended the challenge from 48 hours during Armed Forces Week, enduring high temperatures in the County Armagh town.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart visited the sit-out and praised the veteran's resilience and commitment to supporting those who served. She described the extended vigil as a demonstration of remarkable determination.

Members of the legislative assembly and local councillors also attended, including Jonathan Buckley MLA, Deputy Lord Mayor Lavelle McIlwrath and Councillor Kyle Moutray. Councillor Moutray said the effort was a fitting tribute to Armed Forces Week.

Joe thanked the people of Portadown for their donations and companionship. He said the community had never let him down.

He has used the annual sit-outs to highlight housing and health problems facing veterans in Northern Ireland. Funds from previous events have been directed to military charities including Blesma and Beyond the Battlefield, with this year's target set to push the overall total past £10,000.