Beau Robertson runs from Byron Bay to Southport after childhood friend’s suicide
A Northern Rivers man has peeled off a 100km run in a single day to honour a former school mate who tragically found life too hard. See why the journey will keep on, keeping on.
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A Pottsville man has run an emotional 100 kilometres to raise funds for people struggling with poor mental health.
Beau Robertson, 33, legged it from Byron Bay to Southport along the coast on October 1 for Mental Health Awareness month and to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute.
Mr Robertson wanted to do something to honour his childhood friend William Corbett who tragically died by suicide earlier this year.
“I was in Canada when he died so I found out from another mate, it was pretty shattering,” he said.
“I was a long way from home so I was unable to attend the funeral or be there for friends or family.”
“William’s dad died a few months after he did so his mum has been through a fair bit. I felt helpless, I was always planning on doing something big this year - running-wise - and I thought this would be a great opportunity to get funding.”
He completed the run with Mr Corbett on his mind and slept for the entirety of the next day to recover.
Mr Robertson said he began running in 2019 to improve his mental health and increase his fitness.
“I was at a bit of a crossroads in my life because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do or what direction I was going in life so I began running,” he said.
Now, Mr Robertson is studying to become a secondary metalwork teacher and aspires to educate students on the importance of looking after their mental health.
Mr Robertson has created a fundraising campaign to raise funds for mental health research and it has raised more than $8500 with a goal of reaching $10,000.
He is in awe of the responses he has received from the community.
“The response has been mind-blowing and even the messages I’ve received have left me lost for words,” Mr Robertson said.
“If you are struggling with your mental health reach out to someone close to you, even if it’s a workmate.”
Helpline numbers include Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
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