Run for MI Life takes a huge step

Coming from humble origins, Run for MI Life has established itself as one of the key charity events on Mackay's calendar - this year it has taken a huge leap.

ON YOUR MARKS: Run for Mi Life organiser Jo Shanks at the completion of last year's event, which attracted 1100 participants. Picture: Luke Mortimer

WITH humble origins and a track through Walkerston canefields, Run for MI Life has established itself as one of the key charity events on Mackay's calendar - and this year it has taken a huge leap.

Sunday of October 14 will see hundreds of joggers making their way through Sleeman Sports Complex in Brisbane raising awareness about suicide.

Organiser of the event Jo-Anne Shanks, has been advocating on the issue after her brother, Matthew Ivory, took his own life in 2012.

Instead of shying away from the tragedy, she spoke up and used the first charity run to encourage others to do the same.

"Suicide is so prevalent in the whole community, there isn't anywhere in Australia that is immune from it,” she said.

"It's not a government problem, it's a people looking after people problem.

"We need to look after out mates and be bothered to ask how they're travelling. To do that we need to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health.

Jo said she's not in it for the praise, as long as she can see the services of Run for MI Life benefiting the public she is fine with putting in the ground work to keep it going.

"One time this little blue ribbon fell off and landed in my hand, and it said 'you have saved me, thank you'” she said.

"No name, just someone felt the need to put it down and that is where the meaning of these events really is. If we save one person we're just so grateful for that. I don't know that person, I never will and that's ok.”

"It's such a relevant message to so many communities.”

Those looking to participate in the Mackay region, the Walkerston and Moranbah events will be next Sunday October 21 with almost 1000 runners lined up, and the committee is hopeful for a boost to those numbers during the week.

Originally published as Run for MI Life takes a huge step