No distance is too great to raise money and awareness for depression and anxiety for 18-year-old Alex Cooke, who is making his way by foot from Melbourne to Sydney to raise money for beyondblue.
Alex set off on the hefty 1060km journey from Melbourne’s Federation Square on New Year’s Day. He is running and walking an average 42km a day until he reaches the final stretch near the Sydney Opera House on Australia Day, January 26.
Alex said he has seen a number of his friends affected by depression and anxiety, either because they have experienced these conditions personally or one of their family members has, and he wanted to help beyondblue continue supporting people in this position.
“It’s been heartbreaking to see some of the best people I know struggle with depression,” Alex said. “I feel very strongly about the work of beyondblue in helping people seek treatment and take back control of their lives.”
Alex has been training since October for the journey, spending many hours running the foreshore near his home in Port Melbourne, and says he is up for the challenge. Alex hopes his expedition will help him raise $15,000 for beyondblue.
“It’s been amazing how quickly people have jumped in to support me and beyondblue, and it would be great to reach the target,” he said.
beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO said she is thankful to Alex for going to such lengths to support the important work of the organisation.
“It’s inspiring to see a young man willing to pound the pavement for a month to improve the lives of people experiencing depression and anxiety,” she said. “We wish Alex the best of luck for his journey.”
For more information or to donate to beyondblue, visit
give.everydayhero.com/au/alex-cooke-australia-day-melbourne-to-sydney-hypermarathon-2014
