A Brighton resident and veteran has taken part in a once in a lifetime opportunity, taking a journey where other veterans fought, were injured, and died.
Jay McArthur participated in the Wounded Warriors Canada Battlefield Bike Ride in Belgium and France.
It was a 5/day 10/stop bike ride that ended.
It supports mental health programs and services for Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, first responders, and their families, through Wounded Warriors Canada
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After serving 14 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, Jay was medically released from the military.
He served in theatre in Afghanistan and his postings included Gagetown, New Brunswick, Wainwright Alberta, and Trenton.
The transition to civilian life was difficult for Jay and was exacerbated by mental health issues.
“In 2014, I was officially diagnosed—PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression. It’s been part of my healing process over the years. I’ve been doing bike rides since 2017…”
He says he was able to bond with 57 other soldiers, first responders, and riders from across Canada.
“Remembering the sacrifice of the soldiers and living our motto of ‘”remembering the fallen, helping the living.””
Stops along the route include Passchendaele, Hill 60, Ypres, the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Memorial, and Flanders Field.
“Reminding you that every pedal that we take, every kilometer that we travel, every dollar that we raise for this, it goes to helping other veterans and first responders with their mental health needs through our organization.”
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