Marathons to help stop abuse
A Rockingham runner is taking an awareness campaign to another level, tackling seven marathons in seven States and Territories in as many days in support of Australian victims of child sexual assault.
Held from June 29 to July 5, 2020, about 30 runners Australia-wide will run 42km in each State and Territory for the Bravehearts Charity Run.
Each runner will raise a minimum of $10,000 to participate, which will go towards preventing child sexual assault by providing counselling and support services, preventative education, child protection training, advocacy, and lobbying for legislative reform.
About 833 children across Australia access Bravehearts personal safety program, with about 133 crisis calls professionally responded to.
Rockingham wife, mother, runner and fitness instructor Laura Firth hopes the challenge will open people’s eyes.
“Child sexual assault is something that is generally hard for people to talk about and I want to do everything I can to make sure that this crime is not washed under the rug,” she said.
“Unfortunately this issue is still prevalent, even here in Rockingham. To know that one in five children will be sexually harmed in some way before the age of 18 is mind-blowingly sad. I want people to stand up, be aware, be educated and all work together to protect children.
“I’m running the 777 for all the children out there who need someone to be their love, strength and safety — I’m running it so that adults will take notice of this crime and do what they can to ensure they are educated.”
She is holding Braveheart bootcamp sessions at three locations in Safety Bay, Shoalwater and Rockingham until June 30, 2020 with all funds going directly to the cause.
Sessions are held Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday’s from 6am at Safety Bay Boat Ramp, Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s from 10am at Lions Park in Shoalwater and Monday, Thursday and Friday’s from 4pm at Bell Park in Rockingham.
For more information click here or call 0475 036 550.
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