Run to support local’s memory

AN ATHLETE will be running more than 700km next month with a dear friend and special Anglesea local in his heart.

It’s Time To Know Osteosarcoma (T2KO) founder and Melbourne resident Zac Petit will be travelling the hard way from Adelaide to Melbourne to pay tribute to Tess McMurtrie and those touched by osteosarcoma.

Ms McMurtrie was a lifelong Anglesea resident and worked as a junior fashion designer for Ghanda in Torquay.

She lost her battle with the form of bone cancer in September last year at the age of 23.

T2KO raised more than $8000 in 2022 to support Tess with treatment and a trip overseas.

On his fundraising page, Mr Petit said he could not wait to set out and pound the pavement for the cause.

“Collaboratively, with your support, we can persist in our mission – the very core of our endeavor – to foster widespread awareness of osteosarcoma,” he said.

“Our commitment lies in illuminating the importance of our purpose, rallying support, and effecting positive change in our mission.

“It’s time to know osteosarcoma.”

Tess’s mother Sue McMurtrie said she was very proud of Zac and T2KO’s efforts.

“It’s nice to have an organisation there for you. For a lot of rare cancers there isn’t, but T2KO was there for Tess and our family,” she said.

“They’ve always been really supportive and encouraging. They didn’t have to care, but they do; it’s a lovely thing for them to do.”

“He and Tess were very close, so it’s so kind that he will come through Anglesea on his way to the finish line in Kilmore to honour Tess’ memory.

“I’ll either run or ride into Anglesea with him. It’ll be quite an emotional moment.”

Mr Petit will be dropping in to Last One Inn in Anglesea to spread awareness of the cause on August 15. Some of the bar proceeds will go towards T2KO.

Fellow T2KO founder Brandon Lee will be running a different route from Sydney to Melbourne to support the cause.

For more and to donate, head to mycause.com.au/p/343350/race-from-diffrent-states-its-time-to-know