On top of the world! Six mates raise $13500 for MSWA after epic 400km run from Perth to summit of Bluff Knoll

They went from the depths of despair to the top of the world as the six mates who set out to run from Perth to Albany and then up Bluff Knoll completed their epic endurance challenge on August 23. The group set off from Perth on August 17 to cover the 400km in aid of charity MSWA, so far raising $13500 for a cause which is close to their hearts. It started as a plan simply to tackle Bluff Knoll but was embraced as a fundraising challenge when one of the six, Matt Fabila, suggested that rather than drive to Albany, they should run. They chose MSWA as their charity because the mother of Ryan Fazzalari, another of the mates, has lived with multiple sclerosis since 2004. Mr Fazzalari completed 261km of the run to Albany but made it up Bluff Knoll, going through through five pairs of running shoes in the process. “The worst part was getting injured and not being physically able to do the full 400km personally,” he said. “I got to the point where I nearly ruptured a tendon, but I got up Bluff Knoll and it was a great feeling to stand on top of the world after doing something so crazy. “It was such a life lesson because doing something like this helps you understand where you travel mentally when you are running for 16 hours a day. “So, in that sense, the mental health awareness and the MS fundraising became a two-for-one win.” James Shaw got as far as Albany but did not go up the mountain and needed some hospital attention after suffering ankle injuries. Josh Fabila, his brother Matt, Mitch Cannon and Cumoram Desmond completed the run and the climb. They went through torrential rain and thunderstorms as well as suffering injuries, which included a partially ruptured Achilles, torn muscles and persistent joint pain. According to Matt Fabila, the mental toll was the most difficult to endure. “We called it ‘the cave’; that dark place where your body wants to give in,” he said. Mr Fazzalari said he hoped he and his friends had helped raise awareness of MS. “I think it needs to be more in the spotlight and I think we spread the message to a lot of people,” he said. “Running as we did for so long replicates the feeling of what MS does to your body. “I have been recovering since we finished but I still feel my body seizing up and I can sense it trying to heal itself.” The six launched the Desires Movement Run Club in January and had a pre-run fundraiser with special guests - recently retired Fremantle footballer Michael Walters and former Wildcat Greg Hire. Their 13-member back-up crew comprised of friends, family members and partners co-ordinated caravan stops at Brookton, Narrogin and the Stirling Range Retreat and provided medical and physiotherapy support.