The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have shown their support for Corporal Andrew Summers and his mission to raise awareness for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Cpl Summers will this Saturday pack march in 40kg worth of full combat kit across 40km on the soft sand of Manly Beach in honour of the 40 soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Since Cpl Summers returned home from service, five soldiers have committed suicide – all of which suffered from PTSD.
Sadly, since the year 2000, 96 Service Personal have taken their own lives due to PTSD or some form of depression, which is more than double the amount of personnel lost in combat in Afghanistan.
“After 5 years of battling nightmares and feelings of shame, guilt, feeling alone and most all weakness, my condition got worse. I was at a point where I was contemplating on taking my own life,” Cpl Summers said.
“I got rescued and as result of this I managed to beat PTSD. I'm on a mission to help others and provide hope that PTSD can be beaten," he said.
"I'm taking this opportunity as serving member of the Australian Defence Force to stand up and encourage others in both the Defence Forces and the broader Australian community to fight for their freedom. To not let PTSD have a hold on their life," he said.
Donations to Cpl Andrew Summers 40 for 40 challenge and ‘Soldier On’ can be made via the following page: http://personalchallenge.gofundraise.com.au/page/SummersA
Summers, who has been training for the event on Stockton Sand Dunes, will attend the Sea Eagles match against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs this Friday and be introduced on field on the night.
All money raised by 40 for 40 will go towards the charity ‘Soldier On’, which enhances Australia’s capability to care for our physically and psychologically wounded, provides them with opportunities to inspire their communities and empowers them to achieve their goals.
