A Kiama Downs resident is busy preparing for a week filled with early wake-up calls, blisters and lengthy runs –all in the name of charity.
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Susan Hawley, 52, will undertake an endurance running challenge to raise funds and awareness for national child protection advocate Bravehearts.
When the Kiama business owner and mother of two became aware of the important work of Bravehearts, she knew she had to get involved.
“I felt I had to do something,” she said.
“Every child has the right to feel safe and I wanted to add my voice and support in whatever way I could.”
Bravehearts is an Australian charity which seeks to educate, empower and protect Australian kids from sexual assault.
The Bravehearts 777 marathon challenge incorporates seven marathons in seven days in seven states/territories.
Mrs Hawley is an avid runner – she recently completed a marathon in Seville, Spain – but admitted this challenge would take it to the next level.
She will join 46 other participants from throughout Australia from June 26 to July 2.
The fundraiser will take in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra and Kingscliff before culminating at Australia’s largest marathon on the Gold Coast.
Participants can choose to undertake marathons or half-marathons; Mrs Hawley is currently undecided which of the two she will tackle.
Either way, she will be stepping up her training regiment for the months leading up to the challenge.
All 777 runners will be mentored by former professional triathlete, coach and mentor Shane Smith, who provides encouragement and assistance with fitness, training and motivation.
“I have run the Gold Coast marathon three times as well as a variety of half-marathons,” she said.
“But I have never attempted something as challenging as this.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge.
“My kids think I’m a little silly; (they say) no one should ever be made to run that far, let alone doing it for seven days.”
Mrs Hawley said running was an interest she had been drawn to during her mid-to-late 40s.
“You just get out there and you forget about everything,” she said.
“It makes you feel good achieving something at the end that you didn’t think you could have achieved when you were younger.
“I guess it makes you you feel younger… Makes you feel like you’re turning back time.”
Mrs Hawley will seek to raise $10,000 to go towards Bravehearts’ personal safety education program ‘Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure’, and the delivery of specialist support services to children and families affected by child sexual assault.
Her fundraising efforts will include a Colour Run she has organised for Sunday, May 7 at Black Beach, Kiama.
For more details, search for ‘Kiama Colour Run’ on Facebook.
To donate to her efforts, click here.
