Conquering the dragon: Royal Marine trio cross Bhutan to raise suicide awareness
Three former Royal Marines have completed what is widely considered one of the hardest and most perilous high-altitude treks on Earth.
Last month, Aldo Kane, Al Chambers MBE and Billy Perham embarked on a 362km mountain trail through the kingdom of Bhutan, characterised by its rugged peaks and deep river-carved gorges.
Over 27 days, the punishing Snowman Trek pushed the three former commandos to their mental and physical limits, while also raising vital funds for the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) and supporting awareness of its suicide prevention campaign.
Digging deep
As one of the least-visited countries in the world, little is known about the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon' – the name deriving from the fierce, violent thunderstorms that whip down from the Himalayas.
Supported by a local six-man support team, the trio trekked for roughly eight hours a day at elevations above 3,000 metres, crossing 11 mountain passes – several of which exceeded 5,000 metres.
They only took two rest days, one at the midpoint, and the other when the horses which were transporting their food and equipment were replaced.
Describing the endeavour as "exhausting," 53-year-old Billy Perham said: "There were times when I really had to dig deep and focus on putting one foot in front of the other.
"We also endured 10 consecutive days without sunshine, which made communications difficult as we were heavily reliant on battery power charged via solar panels."
Promoting awareness and creating a dialogue
In recent years, there has been a tragic rise in the number of former or serving Royal Marines taking their own lives.
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.
"Like many people, I've been impacted by suicide," Mr Perham said. "A number of friends of mine have taken their own lives.
"This expedition was about showing people that they don't have to face life's challenges alone. Some of the toughest battles are the ones no one sees.
"A small conversation with a friend or family member can be just as important as climbing any mountain."
Mr Perham said the message behind the expedition is as important now as it was when the team set out on their trek.
"Mental health challenges don't discriminate – they can affect anyone," he said.
"The charity's Lifting the Lid campaign is about breaking down stigma, encouraging open conversations and creating an environment where people feel able to seek support early."
He added that while the Royal Marines Brotherhood Walk may be over, the reason for undertaking it remains.
"If sharing our journey encourages just one person to start a conversation, seek help, or check in on a friend, then every step we took through the Himalayas of Bhutan was worthwhile."
United behind a cause
Within a week of the charity first announcing the feat on social media, more than 100 people signed up to take on a feat of their own as part of the Brotherhood Virtual Challenge.
Supporters from around the world clocked up many miles running, hiking, cycling or swimming.
One supporter in particular swam a total of 100,000 metres in his local pool, lake and sea. Meanwhile, another supporter spent four days hiking near her home in North Wales, clocking up 218 miles and a staggering 43,719ft of elevation gain.
In total, the whole endeavour raised more than £47,000 for the Royal Marines Charity. If you would like to donate, you can do so by following this link.
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