A Highton husband and wife team will March On for veteran mental health, in honour of their daughter currently serving in the Australian army.
Tony and Darlene Armstrong will take part in Soldier On’s fundraising challenge next month, where participants choose to walk or run 96km to support mental health services and prevent veteran suicide.
The pair’s daughter, Taylor, is close to reaching her goal of four years in the army’s infantry, and Tony said she was the ultimate inspiration for him and Darlene to join the challenge.
“There’s plenty of stuff going on in the world that certainly puts everything into a different perspective when it’s your flesh and blood out there,” he said.
“We’ve obviously grown to be incredibly proud of her for the achievements that she’s achieved while serving, but it has not been the easiest time to watch the news.
“She’s not really ever said it directly, but I think she just wanted to take some control back into her life…and once she made the decision that she was going to do that, she was going to do it.”
Darlene said it was important that veterans had access to ongoing mental health and wellbeing support during and after their transition from service to civilian life.
“It’s (the challenge) just about showing the nation that we’re behind the veterans and everyone who is currently serving, which is hugely important,” she said.
Visit marchonchallenge.org.au for more information or to sign up for the free challenge.
