Robbie Gleeson running 90km for Lifeline following Ed Smith’s death

A 22-year-old from Mount Duneed will run 90km on Saturday to raise money for Lifeline in honour of his best mate, whose death he is still coming to terms with.

Robbie Gleeson is running 90km around Geelong's Barwon River on Saturday to raise money for Lifeline. Picture: Brad Fleet

A year after losing his best mate, Robbie Gleeson is still coming to terms with the tragedy.

Former Winchelsea and Yackandandah footballer Ed Smith tragically died by suicide in December last year aged 21.

“A year sounds like a long time, but it really isn’t,” Mr Gleeson said.

“I’m still in the habit of seeing something funny on my phone and going to send it to him.”

The community is rallying behind 22-year-old Mr Gleeson, from Mount Duneed, who is running 90km around Barwon River on Saturday to raise money for Lifeline in honour of Mr Smith.

Mr Gleeson, who plays for Winchelsea, will complete nine laps of the 10km river circuit to represent the nine people that die to suicide on average every day in Australia.

Mr Gleeson described Mr Smith as someone that made everyone feel comfortable.

“He was probably the least judgmental person I’d ever met,” he said.

“Everyone was just at ease around him.”

Winchelsea footballer Ed Smith made everyone feel comfortable. Picture: Winchelsea Blues.

Mr Gleeson said he has found “solace” in helping other people where possible.

“Listening to other people go through it … and wrestle with those emotions has helped me become introspective about it all,” he said.

“I’m very much someone that likes to do actionable things, like a big run.”

Mr Gleeson hopes Robbie’s Run For a Mate will provide crucial funding to Lifeline and spark discussions around mental health.

“I think it’s really important to get these conversations started, because unfortunately it still doesn’t happen often enough,” he said.

After raising more than $4000 within one night of launching the event, Mr Gleeson said he has been “overwhelmed” by the support.

“There’s been a lot of generosity,” he said.

“People clearly resonate with the cause and want to help, which is great.”

The young retail worker hopes to raise as much money as possible before Saturday, with funds going directly towards Lifeline Geelong and South West Victoria.

The run will kick off at 5am at the Balyang Sanctuary Rotunda in Newtown.

To donate, visit robbiesrun.raiselysite.com.

if you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Originally published as Robbie Gleeson running 90km for Lifeline following Ed Smith’s death