By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
TWO suicide prevention campaigners from Casey are urging the community to give up just 24 hours of their time for the cause.
This Friday Fawn Brady and Jess White, who together set up the depression support charity Kane’s Crusade, will host a Victorian Plebs, Pros and Personalities 24-hour treadmill run – the first time Melbourne is taking part in the national initiative.
The event – to be held at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre – will see members of the public, celebrities and even professional athletes run against each other on treadmills for the entire 24 hours.
The initiative encourages people to support and help each other complete their allotted 15-minute spot on the treadmill.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne, a strong supporter of Kane’s Crusade, urged the community to get involved with the treadmill run.
“Kane’s Crusade has done incredible work in raising awareness about depression in our community and its terrible costs,” Mr Byrne said.
“Their work literally saves lives.
“We can help those with depression by supporting them and their ongoing work to assist those suffering from depression.”
The treadmill run was started up in Sydney three years ago by Ben Higgs and Matt Dee after they lost loved ones to suicide. The event has raised more than $500,000 since its inception, with the funds going towards creating the first stage of an online tool kit called ‘Communities Matter’.
Ben and Matt’s story resonated with Fawn, who lost her 23-year-old brother and closest companion, Kane, in February 2013 after a battle with depression.
She has been campaigning to prevent further tragedies ever since.
“If we can help one person, save one life, save one family from going through the heartache my family feel daily, our mission is complete,” Fawn said.
The Melbourne treadmill run will be held from 5pm on Friday 8 May at Fountain Gate. For more information, email kanescrusade@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/PPP4SPAMELBOURNE.
Those in need of immediate assistance, or who need to talk to someone they can trust, can phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
