Five years ago Will Burnett received the devastating news that he would be in a wheelchair by the time he was 35.

This week he is passing through the Western Plains as he jogs across the nation and hopes to be on hand in Nyngan tomorrow as locals line up to mark Remembrance Day.

Will is a former RAAF veteran with 12 years of military service including deployment to the United Arab Emirates. Eventually his injuries had incapacitated him, leaving him dealing with the fallout from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) to arthritis.

He started his service in logistics before moving into a role as PTI (Physical Training Instructor) towards the end of his service and was labelled one of the top Instructors in the RAAF.

With both his grandfather a Vietnam veteran, and his father a veteran of Afghanistan, his family has done more than its fair share of protecting our nation.

During one deployment Will met and fell in love with his wife Cassie, a US soldier from Oklahoma, and the couple now have two children together plus two from a previous relationship.

Will was crushed when hearing of his prognosis. His physicality had always been his strength. Playing professional soccer growing up and competing in CrossFit competitions he prided himself on his fitness ability, which was part of his makeup.

His inability to do what he had always done took its toll and he spiralled into anxiety, depression, and PTSD - a year and a half went by as Will wandered down a dark path struggling with mental health issues.

It's a long road for veterans suffering mental health issues and Will hopes his run will help save lives.

Having tried various traditional methods to help him, Will finally made the decision to invest his time and effort into healing himself holistically. Together Will and Cassie implemented mindful and holistic practices which transformed their lifestyle.

Together they made a life decision, and this year on his 34th birthday, Will stepped off on what the couple says is ‘the greatest adventure of our life.’

Running 4500km from Margaret River in WA to Byron Bay in NSW, averaging 56kms per day for 81 days, has already earned him a Guinness Book of records spot for the most consecutive ultra-marathons, all in the name of raising awareness for veterans’ mental health.

All funds raised along the way will be donated to veterans and Will has already helped thousands change their lives by changing their mindset and daily habits, with a goal to assist as many as he can. 

Will with his daughters, who are part of the journey.

“I am so very proud of him,” said Cassie Burnett. “I have enjoyed watching him grow and transform his life. He is the most selfless man I know,” she said.

“It is a journey, and we are all learning along the way.”

Will’s aim for tomorrow is to reach Nyngan by 10.45am to take part in the November 11th Remembrance Day Service. Will and Cassie have teamed with Veteran Support Force to sell pins supporting the organisation and accepting any donations for Will’s life-changing run.

Keep an eye out for Will on the road, they will happily accept any donations to the cause.

To Will – We thank you and your family for your service and protection of our nation. The word ‘grateful’ just doesn’t seem enough.

For our app readers, Will will be passing through Warren, Collie, Gilgandra and Coonabarabran before heading off to Tamworth, Grafton and the back roads to Byron Bay.

Give him a honk if you see him on the road!