A VETERAN marathon runner is readying to put on his joggers as part of an annual charity event aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse.<\/p>\n
Mount Helen resident Peter Mahoney is set to run 42.2 kilometres seven times in as many days, each in a different Australian state, with the goal of raising $10,000 through non-profit Bravehearts\u2019 777 Marathon campaign.<\/p>\n
The middle child of six siblings and a survivor of abuse, Mr Mahoney said it\u2019s important to protect future generations from similar experiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want to be 20 years down the track trying to help survivors again, we want to nip it in the bud as much as we can now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got five kids, I\u2019ve got 11 grandkids, and they\u2019re all safe and loved but there are those out there around Australia unfortunately that don\u2019t have that given right of being safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got into marathon running a few years ago for health and fitness. I had a lower back injury and\u2026 started running.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter doing a hundred-odd marathons, I thought \u2018why?\u2019 and discovered Bravehearts. It absolutely gave me purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
Research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated a 13 per cent increase in reported sexual assaults in Australia in 2021, with 61 per cent of survivors aged under 18.<\/p>\n
The funds raised for the marathon will go towards Bravehearts\u2019 support services and education programs, training, and research.<\/p>\n
With more than $2 million raised over nearly a decade, CEO Alison Geale said it\u2019s an integral event for the organisation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a critical component to our fundraising plans,\u201d she said. \u201cIn Ballarat, they [survivors] have access to our national redress and our 1800 number for people who\u2019ve been impacted by sexual abuse.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also have our personal safety education program for children that visits Ballarat schools about two or three times a year which is the Ditto Keep Safe Adventure show.\u201d<\/p>\n
Participants can register for the seven-day marathon or to take part within their chosen state, with the option between seven, 14, 21.1, or 42.2-kilometre runs.<\/p>\n
The 777 Marathon will begin on Monday, 26 June in Perth and end in the Gold Coast on Sunday, 2 July.<\/p>\n
To register or donate visit bit.ly\/3K8NA53.<\/p>\n