Today’s 17-mile walk carried us through the lower Swale Valley, framed by the Pennines to the west and the North York Moors to the east, with the great White Horse of Sutton Bank watching over the journey.
From South Otterington, we passed through Skipton-on-Swale, Topcliffe, Cundall, and Thornton Manor, before crossing the River Ure to finish in Boroughbridge.
The route was largely flat, with plenty of hard road underfoot, a steady reminder of the distance already covered and the miles still ahead on the path to London.
We were privileged to be joined today by two veterans, survivors of #MilitarySuicide, both directly linked to the harm caused by Lariam. The former Major and a Warrant Officer, bringing with them 60 years of combined military service. Alongside them was a devoted partner and carer whose strength is every bit as remarkable as their own.
In open conversation, they shared their lived experience: permanent Lariam injuries, the impact on their families, and the sanctuary trauma they continue to endure when seeking support.
Despite differences in career paths, their symptoms and struggles were identical, a haunting reminder of how widespread and consistent this harm has been. If those responsible for their care had overheard, they would have squirmed in shame at the lives that could have been saved.
Midway along today’s route, our thoughts turned to Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Brett Bonython Webster, RAMC, who died at his home in Yarm, North Yorkshire on 21 July 2022, aged 47. Yarm lies just east of Northallerton, so close to where we walked today.
Brett now rests at St. Peter’s Churchyard, Petersham, London, but he remains with us in spirit at every step.
We also remember Lieutenant Colonel Haldine, RAMC, of 16 Medical Regiment, who likewise took his own life. The losses of Brett and Lt Col Haldine remind us that even our most senior Armed Forces leaders, men of distinction and academic excellence, can be left to suffer in silence. Their absence leaves heartbreak in families, Regiments, and communities that trusted them.
Our journey also took us past Allenbrook Barracks, home of 4 Regiment Royal Artillery. Soldiers there acknowledged our mission, and with recent Royal Artillery losses to #MilitarySuicide, their recognition carried particular weight. It was a reminder that this fight is not abstract, it is felt deeply across the serving and veteran community.
While the Scottish Borders now feel a distant memory, today brought clear skies and good weather, the kind that lifts spirits and lightens footsteps. Yet the conversations, memories, and names we carried with us kept the day grounded in its purpose.
Every mile of #TheLariamTab is a step for those harmed, silenced, or lost. We walk so that their voices are heard, their stories acknowledged, and families are not left behind.
👉 Please continue to follow, share, and support this journey. Tag just one person, a family member or friend, a Veteran Service, clinicians and people of influence. Together, we can honor the fallen, support the living, and demand the change that is so long overdue.
#TheLariamTab
#MilesInMemory
#MilitarySuicide
The Lariam Tab 
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