Joondalup Martial Arts (JMA) co-founder Colin Luthwood will have his mental strength and physical endurance put to the test when he runs from Perth to Margaret River to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Running a half marathon every day for two weeks straight, the JMA head instructor hopes the 278 kilometre feat will raise awareness of depression and suicide while supporting Beyond Blue.
Setting off from City Beach on Saturday, Mr Luthwood is expected to reach his Margaret River destination on May 6.
Mr Luthwood said his work with children and teenagers inspired him to take up this challenge.
“One of the things that is prevalent in so many of our young people is the challenges they face with bullying,” he said.
“This can lead to our young people losing confidence in themselves, becoming self-conscious and insecure, resulting in depression and suicide.”
Through his charity run, Mr Luthwood said he hopes to highlight some of the major issues that cause depression and suicide among young people and be part of a solution.
“I chose Margaret River as the final destination because the issue is not limited to one area, group, stereotype, religion or race. It is diverse and it is not restricted to a postcode,” he said.
“We have had overwhelming support from the JMA community, with a doctor and massage therapist joining me for parts the 278 km journey.”
Since announcing the run Mr Luthwood has received an outpouring of support including two schools participating in running events to raise money for the cause.
“So many people are affected in one way or another by depression and suicide, the communities response has been huge,” he said.
“I have had people reaching out telling me their stories, school groups backing me and I have met some amazing people doing powerful work in this field. I hope the run can bring more focus to the topic and lead the way to some more solutions.”
JMA is also seeking sponsorship from local businesses to get behind the cause. To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/colinluthwood or email info@joondalupmartialarts.com
Mr Luthwood’s itinerary – Leaving from City Beach on April 22, Fremantle April 22 and 23, Mandurah April 24 and 25, Preston Point April 26 and 27, Bunbury April 28-30, Busselton May 1-4, Margaret River May 6.