Martin Dash has seen it and its effects, as a soldier and a father.
As a former member of the British Army and Canadian Army Reserves, he’s watched it take the form of post traumatic stress disorder. He’s also seen it in obsessive compulsive behaviours at home as his youngest son battles with a variety of issues.
That’s why on Oct. 11 the Richmond realtor and experienced marathon runner will be challenging the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon course to raise funds for the Richmond Hospital Foundation, specifically for local mental health support.
Footfall after footfall during marathon training runs, Dash said he is reminded of former colleagues in the armed forces who have taken their own lives, and the three attempts Liam — now 18 and in foster care — has made to end his own life.
“Mental illness, it’s an insidious, awful situation. And why one person gets it and another doesn’t is a mystery,” Dash said.
In Liam’s case, there were some early signs.
“It was over there,” Dash said, pointing northwards from the grandstand at Minoru Park to the nearby playing fields.
“It was at a soccer game when Liam was in Grade 1. And as his team went forward, Liam ran backwards. And I couldn’t understand that,” Dash said.
He asked his son why he did that, and Liam couldn’t explain.
Later, as Liam was growing up, the situations grew more serious.
“It was like a war zone. I had the RCMP over to my house when Liam wasn’t able to contain the manifestation of his mental illness,” Dash said. “He continued to regress as his peer group went forward. His number of friends began to diminish.”
Through the years Dash said he’s been extremely grateful for the time and attention local mental health professionals have provided for his son.
“A few weeks ago we had a meeting for Liam with an extended group of social workers, a foster parent and hospital staff — there were 11 people at that meeting to support one, young man who is suffering extensive mental illness,” Dash said. “It’s incredible.
“So, the more money I can raise in the run, it goes back to the community. And hopefully for those other families that are suffering this will help.”
He also hopes there can be a way to do away with the stigma some families feel when they have a loved one suffering with a mental illness.
“Mental illness is something I wouldn’t wish on anybody,” said Dash who is embarking on his third hospital foundation support run. “We’ve all been impacted by this. Even Liam’s foster father, he’s had to walk away from some situations. He is a former CFL player — a barn door of man. But he was so upset, he feels the need for some counselling for possibly PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).”
There’s a parallel with Dash’s experience in uniform.
“People who might give an outward of being strong have disintegrated,” he said. “I’ve seen it.
“And people who, paradoxically, have a gentle nature are sometimes the strongest people you can find,” he said, adding the fallout is significant.
“We’ve lost more members of the Canadian Army through suicide than with combat in Afghanistan. It’s a dreadful situation.”
As his long training runs continue, Dash said it gives him time to think about his son’s situation and what kind of future he will have.
“You have to try and greet each day as a blessing, move forward. And if at the end of the day Liam’s safe, it’s been a good day,” Dash said. “Liam will drive me when I’m out there running.”
For more information about supporting the Richmond Hospital Foundation, visit
