Imagine walking 420 miles, every step a profound statement. That’s exactly what 70-year-old veteran Andrew Marriott is undertaking for military suicide awareness. His epic journey to the Cenotaph shines a light on the struggles faced by service families, a topic often in the shadows. What more can be done to truly support our veterans and their loved ones?
A profound act of dedication is underway as 70-year-old former officer Andrew Marriott embarks on an arduous 420-mile long-distance charity walk. This monumental challenge is not merely a test of endurance but a powerful statement aimed at raising critical military suicide awareness across the nation, culminating in a poignant poppy-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in central London.
Marriott, a UK military veteran who served for 35 years, articulates his motivation with raw honesty, describing how he sometimes feels akin to “somebody in a First World War trench in the dark who can hear the cries from no man’s land.” This vivid analogy underscores his deep empathy for military families left grappling with the aftermath of suicide, highlighting his unwavering belief in the urgent need for enhanced armed forces support and recognition for these often-overlooked individuals.
His journey commenced in West Linton, near Edinburgh, with Marriott steadfastly committed to walking an average of 20 miles per day. This incredible feat of physical and emotional fortitude is meticulously planned to reach its symbolic destination on September 19, where he intends to lay a poppy in solemn remembrance, marking the culmination of his cross-country trek.
Central to Marriott’s crusade is tackling the pervasive “taboo” surrounding military suicide and veteran mental health. He firmly believes that the current system leaves next-of-kin in a metaphorical “no man’s land,” struggling not only with the immediate shock of loss but also with the long-term emotional and practical challenges, often in silence due to societal discomfort.
Adding a complex layer to the narrative, Marriott also draws attention to the anti-malarial drug mefloquine. He links this medication to severe side effects he experienced, including anxiety, hallucinations, depression, and even suicide ideation, following his deployment to Sierra Leone, thereby highlighting potential contributing factors to the crisis he is campaigning against.
It is important to note that the UK Health Security Agency, along with other respected bodies, continues to recommend mefloquine as an effective form of malaria prevention. This official stance underscores the ongoing debate and the multifaceted nature of understanding mental health challenges within the armed forces, even as Marriott bravely shares his personal experience.
Beyond the immediate walk, the retired lieutenant colonel harbors a significant long-term aspiration: the establishment of a dedicated memorial at Staffordshire. This site would serve as a permanent tribute to all personnel and UK military veterans who have taken their own lives, embodying a lasting symbol of armed forces support and a collective acknowledgment of their sacrifices.
Ultimately, Marriott’s arduous walk transcends a personal challenge; it is a profound call to action. His dedication shines a light on the critical issues of veteran mental health and military suicide awareness, compelling society to confront uncomfortable truths and foster a culture of comprehensive support and recognition for those who have served and their families.
