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The retired Sergeant was confirmed as a finalist following his efforts as a Patron of Soldier On’s March On challenge.
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102-year-old retired Sergeant (Ret’d) Bert Le-Merton has been confirmed as a finalist in the NSW Senior Australian of the Year Awards following his efforts in raising awareness and funds to help combat veteran suicide. Amazingly, Le-Merton has raised $112,223 for the cause, serving as a Patron of the Soldier On March On challenge.
Le-Merton previously served in the 2/13th Battalion’s Mortar Platoon, 20th Brigade, 9th Division of the AIF.
Soldier On explained his story.
Last year on 15 August, Le-Merton raised his hand to take part in Soldier On's annual March On challenge in which participants walk, run or march 96 kilometres within a specified time frame. Le-Merton set an ambitious goal of raising $10,000, and over the following months walked an average of 1.75 kilometres every day – reaching his 96 kilometre goal on 10 October.
At the finish line was the Australian Federation Guard, lining the street as a guard of honour.
The March On challenge encourages Australians to walk 96 kilometres throughout the month of March to raise funds and awareness to help combat veteran suicide. The 96 kilometres, Soldier On explains, represents the length of the Kokoda track.
Despite finishing his goal, the driven Sergeant decided to double his original objective. Amazingly, he walked 192 kilometres and raised $110,000 by 12 February 2021.
It didn’t stop there. He kept going.
According to Soldier On, by 31 March 2021 Le-Merton walked a total of 419.15 kilometres and raised $112,223 for the cause.
“Sergeant Bert is an inspiration to us all and is incredibly deserving of this wonderful acknowledgement. Bert is a true living legend. His bravery and sacrifice during World War II is admirable to say the least. His family have followed suit, with his children and grandchildren also defending our nation and communities on the frontline. It is clear that his passion for supporting our current and future generation of veterans and their families is close to his heart,” Soldier On CEO, Ivan Slavich said.
“Thanks to Bert’s commitment and tireless efforts throughout the campaign and beyond, March On not only saw great success, but we also saw an enhanced national conversation on the issue of veteran suicide and the challenges that the community faces.”
When notified, Le-Merton remarked that the nomination was extraordinary for an ordinary bloke.
“To be one of four finalists in the NSW awards is very exciting. I don’t anticipate taking out the top spot, but even number four is a great honour,” Le-Merton said.
"I thank all those members of the public who have joined me by taking part in the challenge and making donations. The funds raised through March On will do a great deal to support the young men and women who have served our great country."
To take part or learn more about the March On challenge, click here.
[Related: Soldier On and Sky News strike-up official media partnership]
