Run for Dolly: Marathon effort by Dolly’s Dream co-founder Kate Everett raises more than $20k for youth suicide prevention

Dolly’s Dream co-founder Kate Everett has completed a gruelling NT outback marathon to raise more than $20,000 for the youth suicide prevention charity’s new support line and send a message of resilience and hope.

DOLLY’S Dream co-founder Kate Everett has completed a gruelling NT outback marathon to raise more than $20,000 for the youth suicide prevention charity’s new support line and send a message of resilience and hope to Australian families going through tough times.

Mrs Everett and her husband Tick, who live in Katherine, started Dolly’s Dream about three years ago in memory of their daughter Dolly, who took her own life at the age of 14 after being tormented by cyberbullies.

In a new fundraising effort for the charity titled Run for Dolly, Mrs Everett ran 42km through challenging bush terrain in the Australian Outback Marathon in Yulara on Saturday.

She completed the event in 5hr 44min.

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Speaking just hours after finishing, Mrs Everett – who is a first-time marathon runner – said the course had been a “pretty intense” experience mentally and emotionally as well as physically, but it was all worth it to help other families in need.

“That last 10km, I just kept thinking ‘I’m just going to keep running, to turn a light on for those that can’t see it – whatever could make a difference to someone’,” she said.

“People find it so difficult to ask for help and then to push through to brighter days, and that’s exactly what it feels like.

“You can get through the first 28km, and then it’s hell from there on.

“But the euphoria when you cross that finish line – it’s so worth it.

“If that makes someone else want to fight another day, then it’s all worth it.”

Mrs Everett said she was thrilled her Run for Dolly had “smashed” its $20,000 fundraising goal, with $20,924 raised at time of print.

She said all funds raised would go towards boosting the recently launched Dolly’s Dream support line, which gives struggling teens and adults free access to a trained mental health professional.

“$20,000 is the equivalent of 250 hours of free mental health help for anyone who needs it,” she said.

“It’s for the kids struggling at school, the parents who think they’ve got kids struggling at school, and also for people in rural areas who may not have the access or the ability to remain anonymous if they’re going through something, when they are looking for that help.”

To donate, go to mycause.com.au/p/257085/run-for-dolly

The Dolly’s Dream Support Line number is 0488 881 033.