War vet to complete two-week charity walk

A war veteran's trek from Adelaide to Melbourne is drawing to a close, with the English expat raising more than $30,000 for youth suicide prevention.

A war veteran's long trek from Adelaide will end in Melbourne after two weeks of 10-hour days walking to raise money for youth mental health.

Michael Ward, a former logistics specialist in the UK Royal Air Force for 18 years, set out from Adelaide on October 30 and will arrive in central Melbourne on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old's 723-kilometre trek, which roughly translates to 10 hours of walking each day, has raised at least $30,000 for youth suicide prevention.

The cause hit on a personal note for Ward in 2005 when his 21-year-old brother took his own life.

The Bayswater father of two, originally from Liverpool, will be greeted by Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt and presented with a plaque for his contribution to youth mental health.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.

Multicultural Mental Health Australia www.mmha.org.au.

Local Aboriginal Medical Service details available from www.bettertoknow.org.au/AMS


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Source: AAP



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