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This 420-mile hike is in memory of all armed forces and veteran suicides, and especially those caused by the anti-malarial drug mefloquine, more commonly known by its brand name, Lariam.

The walk starts at West Linton (south west of Edinburgh) where, almost 20 years ago, former Army major Cameron Quinn hanged himself in the family home. The route will also take in other commemorative sites associated with Lariam and other suicides. Covering around 20 miles per day, it should finish in Westminster on 19 September.

There is no dedicated place where military suicides are marked but a venue for peaceful contemplation and remembering does exist at the 150-acre National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire: A Place for Everyone to Remember. While the National Memorial Arboretum cannot be expected to endorse any campaigning about Lariam, it would be a most appropriate beneficiary from the blisters and aches of this venture.

In the future a memorial for military suicides may be created but until then a visit to their grounds provides a valuable place for grieving and negotiating the past and the future. It is also becoming a major educational resource, embracing environmental and ecological themes alongside those of remembrance.

I served in the Army myself for 35 years and this seems like a great challenge having just reached 70.

Thank you again for your interest and any help you may be able to give to a worthy and national cause. I know that the families left behind will be so grateful.

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