North Burnett police officer to run 220km ultra-marathon in memory of Maddie Gill’s sudden passing

After being given the heartbreaking task of telling his friends about their daughter’s sudden death, a North Burnett police officer is taking on the biggest challenge of his life in honour of the vivacious 22-year-old.

As the only police officer in Mount Perry, Senior Constable Tom Mort was tasked with delivering the message to close friends Debra and Chris Tibbotts that their precious daughter had died suddenly in her sleep.

After being so profoundly affected by the ordeal, Constable Mort is now taking huge steps to honour 22-year-old Maddie Gill after her epilepsy-related death.

The North Burnett cop is in preparation for an incredible challenge, pledging to run 220km from Mount Perry to Bundaberg Brewing Company and back, raising awareness for the illness that took someone so close to him.

Maddie’s young life was cut short on December 5, 2020, when she went to lie down for a sleep after work.

Maddie Gill was set to finish her final year at QUT before her passing. Picture: Supplied

Hours later her roommate would make the heartbreaking discovery that she died suddenly, with no warning or alarm bells that something wasn’t right.

The vivacious Sunshine Coast student died from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), where no clear cause of death is determinable after a post-mortem examination.

“It was the first time as a police officer I've had to give this message to someone I know,” Constable Mort said.

“Normally, as police, we’ve got a pretty good idea as to how we are going to inform someone of a death and be there for them in that moment.

“But it was a lot harder for me to figure out exactly how I would tell my friends their daughter has passed away.”

The small-town cop said he feared in that moment he’d lose his friends because he’d forever be a walking memory of such a painful time.

Mt Perry OIC Senior Constable Tom Mort was given the heartbreaking task of telling his friends Debra and Chris Tibbotts that Maddie had passed away. Picture: Sam Turner

In stark contrast to his fears, Constable Mort and his wife Mallory joined forces with the Tibbotts family to keep Maddie’s memory alive and raise awareness of epilepsy.

“I couldn't imagine losing a child. It would honestly be one of the worst things, if not the worst thing, that could happen to you,” he said.

“And the fact that Deb’s out there living Maddie’s legacy day-to-day and supporting others with epilepsy is just fantastic.”

The ‘Legacy 200’ fundraiser will be run on Purple Day March 26 next year, with the determine officer already deep into training in the earliest hours of the morning.

Maddie Gill was only 22-years-old when she passed away. Picture: Supplied

His first ultra-marathon leading up to the daunting challenge will take place this Purple Day from Gin Gin Police Station to Mount Perry, which is about 53km.

“Maddie’s certainly left a lasting legacy, especially through the epilepsy community, but also in Mount Perry,” he said.

“The whole town gets behind Deb and Chris on Epilepsy Day every year. That’s why the whole town was purple last year and we’re looking to do it again this year.

“I think Maddie would be very proud of her mum and everything she’s done.”

You can contribute to Senior Constable Tom Mort’s fundraising efforts for Epilepsy research HERE.

More information can be found on the Epilepsy Queensland website.

Originally published as North Burnett police officer to run 220km ultra-marathon in memory of Maddie Gill’s sudden passing