Toowoomba charity relay 40 For Fortey raises $13k for Queensland Police Legacy

The annual 40 For Fortey relay, named in honour of police officer Brett Forte, has raised more than $13,000 for a charity supporting officer’s families.

GREAT CAUSE: Backing the annual 40 For Fortey charity relay are (from left) co-organiser Geordie Horn, fastest male lap winner Blake Reinbott and co-organiser Louise Macdonald.

Hundreds of residents have helped raise more than $13,000 to support police officers and their families with the return of the 40 For Fortey charity relay at the weekend.

The event, which was created to honour the memory of Toowoomba police officer Brett Forte, featured more than 360 participants at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

Senior Constable Forte was killed on duty by Ricky Maddison on May 29, 2017.

Co-organiser and former colleague of Const Forte Louise Macdonald said she was thrilled to see the run return after it was cancelled last year.

FITNESS FUN: At the 2021 40 for Fortey are the Kath Day-Knighters (from left) Noela Gollan, Kate Fahey, Christine Fahey, Kristine Vergara, Wendy Dighton and Julie Robinson.

“I think we had about 360 participants — it was a great turnout,” she said.

“We’re still working out the final figures, but we think we’ve raised well over $13,000.”

The money will go to Queensland Police Legacy, which assists the families of deceased officers, police officers whose spouse or partner has died and families with a parent suffering from an incurable or terminal illness.

“We want to have a great event with the community and help remember Brett for the sacrifice he made,” Ms Macdonald said.

For more information head to policelegacyqld.org.au.