A Ballarat grandfather will run a gruelling seven marathons, in seven states in just seven days to help raise awareness of child sexual assault.
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Peter Mahoney will undertake this feat to support child protection organisation Bravehearts on June 26.
Mahoney said people see the attempt as a great achievement and challenge rather than an act of insanity.
The matter of child sexual abuse is close to his heart because one of his friends was molested by a Catholic priest as a child.
Mr Mahoney’s friend took his case to court and played an important role in uncovering the mistreatment of children by the church.
He said the experience added to his friend’s trauma and he subsequently committed suicide.
“I know that everyone in Ballarat has been touched by the abuse that went on in the Catholic church,” Mr Mahoney said.
“This is my way of raising awareness about the need for further protection of Aussie kids.”
One of the requirements to run in the marathon is for participants to raise $10,000 before they start.
Mr Mahoney said it has been tough to make the mark and he had to rely heavily on support from friends and colleagues.
This is far from Mr Mahoney’s first race.
The 54-year-old already has 150 marathons under his belt.
He won the title of most marathons by a male in a calendar year on Australian soil last year.
Mr Mahoney said running marathons started off as a way to stay fit and they soon became addictive for him.
He will set off for the Bravehearts 777 in Perth on June 26, with marathons in Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra and Kingscliff in northern NSW.
His racing will culminate at Australia’s largest marathon on the Gold Coast on July 2.
Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston said the marathon is about people running with their hearts to make a real difference in the lives of Aussie children.
"The Bravehearts 777 is getting bigger every year as more people strive to take big steps for little people,” she said.
“For the most part child sexual assault is preventable.
“We need adults to step up and prioritise the safety of our most vulnerable members of the community."
Participants can still join Mr Mahoney on his Melbourne leg of the marathon on June 29 from 6.45am.
Registrations can be made by emailing adventures@bravehearts.org.au.
Donations to Mr Mahoney’s cause can be made through his Facebook profile.
If you need help with depression call Lifeline 131 114 or SuicideLine on 1300 651 251.
