Runner pays tribute to Anglesea local during 700km mission

A MELBOURNE athlete has passed through Anglesea on his 700km charity running mission to honour a special local close to his heart.

Over the past fortnight, It’s Time To Know Osteosarcoma (T2KO) founder Zac Petit travelled the hard way from Adelaide to Melbourne to pay tribute to Anglesea resident Tess McMurtrie and those touched by osteosarcoma.

On his way through, Mr Petit dropped into Last One Inn in Anglesea to speak about his friendship with Ms McMurtrie and his commitment to the cause.

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

T2KO raised more than $8,000 in 2022 to support Tess with treatment and a trip overseas.

Tess’ mother Sue McMurtrie said she was incredibly proud of Mr Petit’s efforts to raise more than $21,000 for the cause.

“It was very emotional to see Zac and his mate Brandon finish at Assumption College over the weekend and to have Zac pop into Anglesea.

“We had a full house at Last One Inn on the evening, which was so amazing to see. Our friends, family and the wider community supported the cause tremendously.

“For him to come down to honour Tess was a lovely gesture. Zac and Tess were very close, even though they’d only known each other for the short time Tess had osteosarcoma.

“She’s a special part of his life, and he in turn is a special part of ours.”

T2KO plan on releasing a documentary in October in Geelong to share the story of osteosarcoma.

“In 2023, Zac ran 100km in the Simpson Desert for the cause,” Ms McMurtrie said.

“Tess and I were interviewed for the project too. It was only six days before her passing.

“Refuse to Give Up will document his run and the stories behind osteosarcoma, all the while raising some more funds.

“Hopefully with more awareness, another family won’t have to go through what we went through.”

Donations to T2KO can still be made via mycause.com.au/p/343350/race-from-diffrent-states-its-time-to-know