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Bravery Trust’s fourth annual Bravery Trek raised over $100,000, providing urgent financial aid to veterans and initiating important conversations around the challenges facing Australia’s Defence community.
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Veterans’ charity Bravery Trust has confirmed that its fourth annual Bravery Trek has raised more than $100,000 to provide urgent financial support to veterans impacted by injury and illness.
The challenge was held between 17 September and 31 October in line with the Veterans’ Health Week, which encouraged participants to run, walk, wheel or swim four marathons or an individual distance over 44 days.
Throughout the trek, two runners completed four physical marathons in four states over the 44-day period.
Navy veteran Murray Bruce and Singh Talwar commenced their marathon undertaking in Canberra on 7 September, where the run incorporated all state capital avenues as a nod towards national unity.
The pair were joined by federal ministers, sponsors, and serving members of the Australian Defence Force for the final 10 kilometres.
“Military folk, when they are deployed overseas, they head into enemy territory. Sometimes when they come home, they might have the familiarity of home, but often there is still a sense of being a foreigner in their own country. We’re highlighting their bravery back home and their struggle reconnecting into their own communities,” said Bruce.
“Veterans can feel disconnected from society when faced with financial struggles. For us, raising awareness of the challenges faced by these families and helping get support to where it is most needed is vital. We were privileged to see those connections being made and get a sense of the benefits any support can bring.”
A veteran, Murray Bruce is a Bravery Trust ambassador and vice-president at Leidos Australia. Leidos Australia is a foundation partner and major sponsor of the annual Bravery Trek.
Belinda Wilson, chief executive officer of Bravery Trust, explained that the annual challenge was necessary to have hard conversations around veterans’ wellbeing.
“There is something special about giving to others – and being around our volunteers who find such joy in giving,” Wilson said.
“In addition to Murray and Singh’s journey along the whole east coast of Australia, we had an ex-Navy Commodore run four marathons in 43 hours as part of the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc! And a crew onboard ADV Cape Fourcroy cycle the Tour de France 3,850-kilometre on stationary exercise bikes.
“I thank each and every participant for your contribution to Bravery Trek 2023, no matter how large or small. Every participant has shown their support and pride for the commitment made by our serving members and their families,
“We all have an obligation, as Australians, to support those who serve our country for the unique sacrifices made.”
Wilson explained that the funds would support veteran families both during times of financial distress and in teaching veterans about personal finances.
“We’re preventing homelessness – we are relieving that immediate pressure point for the family – and then our veteran-specific financial counsellors will work longer term with the family or the individual to create a pathway forward,” Wilson continued.
“We work with veterans and families to address the cause of their financial stress – it may be negotiating with banks to reduce debt, wipe debt, or to consolidate debt, and then our financial fitness coaches work with veterans on that longer-term approach.
“It’s the old adage of teaching a person to fish, we provide urgent support when needed but after that, take them on a journey to make sure that they are able to avoid or capable to deal with future crisis.”
