Townsville soldier takes on two challenges to help support comrades and veterans

A local soldier who fought off the black dog of depression is digging deep with two challenges to help his comrades and veterans face their own mental struggles.

A TOWNSVILLE soldier who has fought off the black dog of depression has dug deep during his crusade to support the mental health of his fellow comrades and veterans.

After starting out as a reservist, Lance Corporal George Simms moved to Townsville in 2014, becoming a full time rifleman with 2RAR.

Based in Oonoonba with his wife Alyssa and his two children, Mr Simms is frank in discussing his mental struggles.

Soldier's good deeds

Determined to save lives by helping others through their rough patches, Mr Simms recently embarked on two missions – launching a podcast and taking on an ambitious fundraising challenge.

“My podcast is called Stand By Your Mates – A Podcast For Veterans By Veterans. The whole premise is to interview veterans from all backgrounds (defence, corrections, and emergency services) and to catch up and talk, while promoting veteran businesses and organisations, as well as discuss mental health topics,” Mr Simms said.

“I always wanted to give it a try as veteran mental health is something close to my heart.”

George Simms with Royce from the Dungeon Roos (Veteran Dungeons & Dragons Podcast) at the Oasis Townsville for the Pilot Ep of Stand By Your Mates. Picture: Supplied

While Mr Simms regarded talking with mental health professionals as the right approach, he took a lot from talking to people with whom he shared a similar background and experiences. The podcast is growing in popularity, averaging 1000 downloads per episode.

“While this is still a relatively small podcast every little bit helps, as one loss by mental illness is way too much,” he said.

Last month, Mr Simms took on the March on Challenge, in which participants fundraised while completing a 96km trek – the same length as the Kokoda Track.

He took on the challenge, not only to successfully raise over $1147 to support Soldier On’s lifesaving mental health services for veterans and their families, but also to honour the contributions of veterans, past and present.

“Wanting to up the ante I made a promise that I would complete 96km while running long distances with body armour and pack marching with varying weights up to 40kg some days and nights,” he said.

To donate visit www.marchonchallenge.org.au/fundraisers/georgesimms

The podcast can be found at www.facebook.com/SBYMPodcast

Veterans are encouraged to contact Open Arms, a free and confidential 24-hour hotline on 1800 011 046.

Originally published as Townsville soldier takes on two challenges to help support comrades and veterans