Aldo Kane, Billy Perham, and Al Chambers MBE, as part of the Royal Marines Brotherhood Walk, have already embarked on a 362km mountain trail through the kingdom that will see them scale 11 peaks, many rising above 5,000 meters — Al Chambers (left), Aldo Kane and Billy Perham began the trek on 2 May (Picture: RMA – Royal Marines Charity)

Forces Charities

Trio of former Royal Marines tackle gruelling Bhutan trek for suicide awareness

Nestled in the heart of the eastern Himalayas lies a landlocked kingdom, known for its steep mountain terrains, vast deep valleys, and pristine high-altitude ecosystem: Bhutan.

As one of the least-visited countries in the world, little is known about the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', but for three former Royal Marines, that is about to change – the hard way.

Aldo Kane, Billy Perham, and Al Chambers, as part of the Royal Marines Brotherhood Walk, have embarked on a 362km mountain trail through the kingdom – the Snowman Trek - that will see them scale 11 peaks, many rising above 5,000 metres.

The endeavour aims to raise £100,000 for the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) while raising awareness of its suicide prevention campaign – Lifting the Lid.

And, in a bid to make as much impact as possible, members of the public have been encouraged to participate in their own challenges.

Lift the Lid. Break the Silence.

In 2021, the RMA launched its Lifting the Lid campaign to help reduce the stigma around mental health within the Royal Marines community.

The initiative encourages veterans and personnel to 'lift the lid' on their struggles, in turn reinforcing the message that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness.

"Some of the toughest battles are the ones no one sees," said Mr Perham, who retired in 2023 after 32 years of service in the Royal Marines.

The 53-year-old added: "Taking on this challenge is a way to stand together, push ourselves, and remind people that they don't have to face their battles alone.

"We train to be physically strong, but real strength is having the courage to speak up. If this challenge helps even one person open up, it's worth it," added Mr Kane, who served 10 years in the Royal Marines before becoming a world-renowned adventurer.

Meanwhile, Mr Chambers, who was awarded an MBE for his leadership of the first successful British unsupported expedition from Canada to the Geographic North Pole, said: "We've all faced moments that test us.

"What makes the difference is knowing someone's beside you. This challenge is about showing that no one in our community has to fight alone."

Situated between China and India, the country is characterized by steep mountains, lush valleys, and high-altitude — Situated between China and India, the country is characterised by steep mountains, lush valleys, and high-altitude (Picture: RMA – Royal Marines Charity)

With steep terrain, rapid elevation changes and high altitudes, the trek will push the trio to their mental and physical limits, but it serves a meaningful purpose.

Within a week of announcing the endeavour on social media, more than 100 people signed up to take on a challenge of their own as part of the Brotherhood Virtual Challenge.

Between now and 2 June, the event is encouraging others to complete their own challenges.

According to the charity, "whether you walk, run, cycle, swim or row, every mile and every pound raised helps ensure vital support is there when it's needed most".

It is free to enter, and you can join as an individual or start/join a team. For more information, follow the link here.