Blind Iraq veteran Liam Haven ends charity walk from Sydney to Canberra - The Australian

Liam Haven, blinded by a roadside improvised explosive device in Iraq in 2008, arrives yesterday at the Australian War Memorial to be greeted by Governor-General Quentin Bryce. Picture: Ray Strange Source: TheAustralian

LIAM Haven was just 19 when he was blinded by a roadside bomb that hit his Australian troop carrier in Iraq after a routine patrol in 2008. Yesterday, Private Haven and his guide dog, Omen, finished walking 350km from Sydney to the National War Memorial in Canberra.

Along the way they raised more than $50,000 for the wounded soldiers' charity, Soldier On and for Guide Dogs Victoria.

Those who walked with him for a time included former prime minister John Howard, former defence chief Angus Houston, current ADF chief David Hurley, army chief David Morrison and other senior officers.

As part of his rehabilitation, Private Havan has learned to play several musical instruments including the guitar and the cello and he's written a song to a mate killed in Afghanistan.

He urged other young veterans to acknowledge that they could suffer mental health as as well as physical injuries.

He said he'd found himself "cracking around the edges" until his depression and a resultant alcohol issue were treated.

"Meeting it head on and conquering it, that's the first step to getting past it," he said.

The former air chief marshal Houston said it was vitally important for the Australian community to continue to support its wounded men and women.

"I always knew that when you send somebody on operational service there were risks and those risks would sometimes mean people being wounded and people being lost," Mr Houston said.

"And that always weighed heavily when it happened.

"When the worst happens it's up to us to continue to support them, not just me but the whole community."

Soldier On chief executive John Bale, said Private Havan's walk was inspirational.

"Liam is an amazing individual and it really goes to show what our wounded can accomplish," Mr Bale said.

"These men and women, whether they are wounded physically or psychologically, have a lot they can give to their communities. They are inspiring members of society and with our help, they will continue to strive to be their best and accomplish their hopes and dreams."