Soldier On, a charity for wounded Australian Defence Force personnel, has teamed up with the country's toughest obstacle course event, Tough Mudder.
More than 250 servicemen and women have been wounded in Afghanistan and it is thought up to 5000 may be suffering from psychological injury.
The partnership, announced at a mini-obstacle course set up in Sydney's Darling Harbour, hopes to raise funds for wounded Defence Force workers and to show the benefits of physical activity in rehabilitation.
While there was nowhere near the volume of mud required for a true Tough Mudder event, former soldier Lee Campbell put two civilians through their paces on the demonstration obstacle course in Tumbalong Park.
At the end, their knees and elbows were caked in mud.
"I'm clean at this stage, this is just the warm-up," said Mr Campbell, an ambassador for both Soldier On and Tough Mudder.
Mr Campbell said the partnership between Tough Mudder and Soldier On was "the perfect fit" as the obstacle courses during Tough Mudder events were based on those used by soldiers during training.
Former soldier Damien Thomlinson, lost both legs after he drove over a bomb while serving in Afghanistan.
Now an ambassador for Soldier On, he says it is vital that former Defence Force personnel are supported in their recovery.
"Physical and mental recovery are really closely related and that's why I appreciate what Tough Mudder and Soldier On are doing here.
As part of the partnership, Tough Mudder participants can raise money directly for Soldier On and those who raise $140 will receive a $25 discount on their registration fee.
Tough Mudder's next NSW event will be held at Wingello in the southern highlands on November 15 and 16.
