Buninyong footballer Tim Brayshaw made a drastic lifestyle change at the end of last year, quitting his job in the mines to give back and devote his time to charity.
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Brayshaw, who was working as a diesel mechanic in Kalgoorlie at the time, packed up his van and drove back across the country to Victoria to follow his passion.
The former North Ballarat Rooster raised $3275 for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation after participating in a 10km fun run in Sydney.
His decision to support the foundation – which has the mission of increasing five-year brain cancer survival to 50 per cent by 2023 – was because there was not as much awareness or funding as other organisations.
“Two weeks later, they invited me to run as part of the New York City Marathon on their behalf – only five people got the invite,” he said.
As part of his participation in the marathon, Brayshaw needs to raise $10,000 and will do this through a raffle with prizes including Steve Mini’s Nitro Circus Honda CRF 450 valued at $8000, a signed jersey from the veteran rider and a package of clothing from Brayshaw’s brand Brainless.
“This is the longest run that I’ll ever do – I think it will be the first and last time I’ll ever run,” Brayshaw said of the iconic event in November.
“I ran the Melbourne half marathon two weekends ago as a part of my training and I got through… I’m not really sure how I’ll go in the 42km marathon, but I’m really looking forward to it and it’s a great opportunity.”
While Brayshaw is relying on his brand to keep him afloat for now, he is the happiest he has ever been.
“I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had before leaving such a high paying job,” he said. “Now I’m following my dreams and coming from a place where every day I wake up and I’m happy, I really enjoy my life now.
“When you start giving, you receive tenfold. Since I started giving, the feelings that you get from supporting others is unbelievable.”
Eight months into the journey, Brayshaw has been touched by the support received and the “amazing” people along the way.
The raffle will be held at Buninyong Football Club on August 30 from 7.30pm with all proceeds from ticket sales going towards the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
Tickets are being sold at multiple locations in Ballarat including Impact Tramwear, Europa, Ballarat Rovers Motorcycle Club, Flightpath and Ballarista with the winner to be notified by phone.
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