Tara Murray
Mernda footballers and netballers are pulling on their running shoes to raise money for Beyond Blue.
What started as something to keep fit is now seeing four groups of runners from the club running the distance from Mernda to Cairns through October and November.
Senior men’s skipper Josh Delaney and reserves captain Michael Arcus are behind the idea.
“Me and Michael and a group of leaders from the seniors, reserves and under-19s were chatting about how we could keep people motivated in unprecedented times like these,” Delaney said.
“We also wanted to focus on mental health.
“There was a throw away line about running the distance from Mernda to Cairns and everyone liked it and it snowballed from there.”
In the end, 120 men’s and women’s footballers, netballers and coaches, put their hands up to be involved.
Split into groups of 30, each group will run 2085 kilometres – the distance from Mernda to Cairns.
“Walk, running, whatever gets them going and motivated,” Delaney said.
“It’s about getting out there and exercise.”
Delaney has been open about his battles with mental health issues and he said he wanted to continue to keep the conversation going.
“It’s quite sad because Michael was close with a guy who committed suicide a couple of weeks ago,” he said.
“I’ve been vocal in front of the whole club with my story and I want the trend to continue for people to have that conversation.
“I want the conversation to be an easy one, not a hard one.”
The group will also grow moustaches in November for Movember to help raise awareness and funds for mental health.
Delaney said they hadn’t set a fundraising total.
“It’s about raising awareness while getting fit,” he said.
“It’s about getting the conversation going, as you can’t put a price on someone’s life.”
To donate, visit: bit.ly/3llt9DJ.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
