Michael Kelly, a firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW, completed an impressive 100-mile run across the Blue Mountains to raise awareness for mental health challenges faced by first responders and their families. His non-stop journey took place over 30 hours from October 3 to 4, 2023, beginning at Kanangra Walls near Oberton and concluding at Glenbrook.
Highlighting Unseen Struggles
Kelly, a resident of Wentworth Falls, organized the event, dubbed the “Unseen Wounds 100M,” to draw attention to the “unseen wounds” that many first responders carry. He emphasized the importance of mental health support not only for emergency workers but also for their families. The funds raised will benefit Fortem Australia, a charity that offers essential, free services to these groups.
Established in 2019, Fortem provides a range of psychological support services, including counseling, social connection opportunities, and mental health literacy programs. It also targets regional and remote locations to extend its outreach.
Kelly’s journey began at 06:00 on Friday, October 3, at the Kanangra Walls car park. He faced significant challenges, particularly during the night hours. “After around midnight to 1 a.m., I started getting extremely sleepy,” Kelly recounted. Despite the fatigue, he received encouragement from friends and colleagues who supported him at various aid stations along the route.
Community Support and Fundraising Success
Crossing the finish line at Glenbrook just before noon on October 4 brought a wave of relief and emotion. “It felt like it was never-ending while I was on the run, so to actually be finished was a surreal feeling,” he said. Kelly expressed enthusiasm to finally remove his shoes after the grueling trek, noting that his feet were in pain.
Through his efforts, Kelly has raised over $5,000 AUD for Fortem Australia, and donations continue to be accepted at fortem-australia.grassrootz.com/unseen-wounds-100m. His dedication to this cause highlights the critical need for mental health resources and recognition of the challenges faced by those in emergency services.
Michael Kelly’s remarkable feat not only showcases physical endurance but also serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional struggles that first responders endure, shining a light on the importance of mental health support within these communities.
