A British Army veteran named Jay Millard crawled up two of the UK’s highest peaks, Pen y Fan (2,907 feet) and Snowdon (3,560 feet), on his hands and knees in November to raise suicide awareness among veterans. This grueling feat, completed in just over three hours for the first peak and five for the second despite agonizing pain in his knees, shoulders, and core, has already generated over £10,000 ($13,450 USD) for Combat Stress, a charity focused on veterans’ mental health, including complex PTSD. Millard, a 36-year-old former lance corporal from the Royal Yorkshire Regiment who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, drew from his own suicide attempt to honor fallen comrades amid rising veteran suicide rates, 281 active-duty deaths from 2005-2024, with increases among young males since 2017, though still below the general population. What strikes us most is Millard’s raw determination: ignoring his body’s screams, battling negative thoughts, and pushing through after a mere 16-hour break between climbs, all while wearing a shirt proclaiming “FOR VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH”. His story underscores a critical gap, veterans need tailored support, not one-size-fits-all approaches, as he notes everyone’s mental health struggles are unique. Community backing and rigorous training (boxing, cardio, heavy lifting) fueled him, reminding us how shared purpose combats isolation. As Christians who’ve walked the shadowed valley of suicide loss, we see God’s hand in such perseverance. Millard’s crawl mirrors the biblical call to press on through suffering for a greater good. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, NIV), a verse urging focus beyond pain, much like Jay fixing his eyes on the summit to raise awareness and funds. Similarly, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4, NIV). Jay’s agony produced not just charity but inspiration, echoing how trials forge hope that does not disappoint, rooted in God’s love poured into us. And in his refusal to quit, we hear Jesus’ words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV), an invitation for veterans and all carrying invisible wounds to find divine strength amid mental health battles. This veteran’s hands-and-knees ascent isn’t mere endurance; it’s a modern parable of redemption, turning personal despair into lifelines for others. It challenges us: What “peaks” can we crawl for those silently struggling? In a world where suicide claims too many heroes, Jay’s climb shouts hope, God redeems pain for purpose. Let’s support such efforts, pray fervently, and extend Christ’s compassion through awareness and action.
The Christian Association for Survivors of Suicide Loss offers Christian Support groups for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. For more information contact us at https://www.suicideloss.
The Christian Association for Survivors of Suicide Loss, Inc. (suicideloss.org) provides support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide through support groups and church support. If you are in crisis, dial 988 or 911 for assistance.
