Soldier On representative Andre ‘Running’ Obradovic will run 42km this weekend on behalf of 42 Australian soldiers killed while serving in Afghanistan.

The 49-year-old will run the New York Marathon on November 2nd in the hope of raising $1,000 for every 1,000 metres run to support Australia’s servicemen and women.

“I hope by dedicating myself to running the New York Marathon and my ambitious goal of $42,000 I will inspire everyday Australians to reflect on what they can do to give back to those that have returned from recent wars,” Andre said.

“I was recently touched deeply by the story of Matthew Tonkin who suffered from PTSD after a deployment in Afghanistan, Tragically Matthew one of our young diggers took his own life after coming home. By raising this money, I want to make sure I am doing my bit, but more importantly I want to send a message that no solider should return home and feel so alone or defeated that they take their own life. We are Australians and we need to ensure these men and women and their families, are given the support they deserve, whenever they may need it.”

He has chosen to donate this money to Soldier On, St Kilda’s charity partner that supports contemporary veterans who have been affected negatively by their service. This includes over 250 physically wounded individuals and potentially thousands more affected by psychological wounds (based on data from the UK and USA, an estimated 6,000-8,000 Australians will be affected by psychological wounds).

“We need to help our mates, because that is just what we do,” Andre said. “If you have ever spent time in a uniform, you know that you put your mates before yourself, and now I am asking all Australians to do the same.”

The money will fund a Wounded Liaison Officer at one of the charities Centres, which provide support to more than 250 wounded men and women, and their families. With Centres in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide, the charity plans to expand nationally, with plans for more support facilities in every major city as part of the Soldier On Reintegration and Recovery Network.

Mr Obradovic joined the Army the 1983 and left 19 years later. He insists he is not a hero, but an average guy who had benefited greatly from his time in the service.

Click here to donate and find out more: https://soldieron.giveeasy.org/campaigns/andrerunsnymarathon/