A SALE man plans to run 10 marathons in 10 days to support local families affected by breast cancer.
Kain Jackson will be running to raise money and awareness for the Footprints Foundation, which supports families in the Sale area with loved ones undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Mr Jackson’s run will begin in Sale on Thursday, September 4, and will continue through Gippsland towns, before finishing in Sale on Saturday, September 13.
He said the support of the community had been overwhelming and reinforced the importance of his original motivation.
“The Footprints Foundation is about the community coming together to help those in their community,” Mr Jackson said.
“The work we do will enable families to focus on their treatment without worrying about the grass looking too long or the ironing not getting done.
“We want them to know that they’re not on their own.
“The support from local businesses and members of the community has been fantastic.
“The aim of the ’10 Marathons in 10 Days’ initiative is to help raise the profile of the Footprints Foundation and in particular highlight to women and their families that we are available to support them through their time of need.
“In addition to this, we are hoping that we can continue to develop the volunteer support program with keen, compassionate people wanting to help out those who need it.”
The Footprints Foundation is offering up to five people a day to run with Mr Jackson, for a donation of $100 per day.
All proceeds will go to the foundation.
“There are quite a few runners currently registered to support me throughout the run,” Mr Jackson said.
“It is a great opportunity for those people who have always wanted to run a marathon.
“People can register by visiting our website.”
Gippsland MHR Darren Chester will join Mr Jackson on the third day on Saturday, September 6, in the Cowwarr area.
Mr Chester, himself a keen marathon runner, paid tribute to Mr Jackson for initiating the fundraiser.
“To run just one marathon is a huge effort; so to run 10 marathons in 10 days is an incredible feat of strength and mental toughness,” he said.
“The Footprints Foundation is a terrific grassroots charity that aims to provide basic help to families who are going through a significantly challenging time in their lives.
“It’s been great to see the wider Gippsland community get behind Kain on his journey and I’d encourage as many local runners as possible to join in and help him along the way.”
The public is also invited to be at Lake Guthridge to run the last lap with Mr Jackson before finishing in the Sale Botanic Gardens on September 13 about 1.30pm.
Family-friendly activities are being planned.
For more information, or to register to run with Mr Jackson, visit www.footprintsfoundation.org.au