The frontman of a band who once opened the O2 Arena for Bon Jovi is on a fundraising mission in aid of soldiers affected by post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dan Leigh, who grew up in Harrow, is rivalling Facebook’s 22 Push-Up Challenge with his own A Penny A Push-Up Challenge. Those partaking in social media’s #22PushUpChallenge are tasked with doing 22 push-ups for 22 days, donating £5 to the charity Combat Stress and even posting videos of their efforts on Facebook.

Dan, 30, is trying to take things one step further while the band tours the UK, with the proceeds going to PTSD Resolution. He explains: “If you remember the ALS ice bucket challenge, everyone got involved and it raised so much. I saw recently that they’ve had breakthroughs because of all the money they raised. I got nominated for the #22PushUpChallenge a few times but I wanted to do something a bit different and gain sponsorship; also 22 push-ups is not something everybody can get involved in. I call mine A Penny A Push-Up Challenge. Hopefully those who cannot do 22 push-ups will sponsor me.”

New Device have been touring the UK for around one month, performing at different venues and festivals including the brand new music festival in Bedfordshire, Fort Fest.

“It is a really great festival” Dan tells me. “It was really fun but it was a lot of hard work because I played with the band and then I played solo on the same day. So it was a lot of performing.”

The band formed in 2008 and have been performing all over the country for many years, even supporting Bon Jovi at the O2 Arena in 2010.

The band are currently touring the UK to promote their new EP Devils on the Run, and Dan is seeking unusual places to complete his challenges.

“I wanted to make it a little bit entertaining. I’ve made videos while I’ve been on tour, some on the stage I have performed on or on the side of our van. Hopefully by the end of these 22 days I will have worked up a lot of reps.

“The condition is very close to my heart, I really feel for those who are going through this. I looked into it and there’s a really great charity called PTSD Resolution. They take people through therapy and help them get back to their lives. A course of therapy for one soldier costs £550 so my aim is to raise £1,100 for two soldiers who have therapy. At the moment I’ve raised about £300.”

To support Dan, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Danielleighpushup.

You can see the band play at The Underworld, 174 Camden High Street, NBW1 0NE, Wednesday, September 14, 7pm. Details: 02074821932