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Bravehearts Challenge: Beeliar man runs the extra mile for a friend

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

THE shock of a friend’s confession has prompted a Beeliar man into doing his bit to fight child abuse.

As old army buddies, Ben Darcy and his mate had been friends for 15 years.

But it was only recently that his friend confided in him that he had been sexually abused as a child.

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“It was a complete shock,” Mr Darcy said.

“He has always been such a confident and happy-go-lucky type of person.

“He is one of the strongest people I have ever met and certainly not someone I would have picked to be vulnerable.”

Mr Darcy, 36, will tackle the gruelling Bravehearts 777 challenge, with runners to complete seven marathons in seven states over just seven days.

Perth will host the first event on June 26, with the fundraiser finishing on the Gold Coast on July 2.

Money raised will go to Bravehearts, a charity set up to prevent child sexual assault.

Forty-seven runners have signed up for the run so far.

Mr Darcy said his drive to help children was stronger than any pain he was likely to feel during the extraordinary challenge.

“To know that someone as strong and confident (as my friend) was vulnerable and a victim of such atrocities made me realise that every child needs protection, not just mine,” Mr Darcy said.

“Every single child in the world deserves to feel safe and be safe all of the time and my primary responsibility in life is to provide this to my kids.”

The goal for Mr Darcy is to raise $10,000.

Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston said the event was growing every year.

“We know that, for the most part, child sexual assault is preventable,” she said.

“We just need adults to step up and prioritise the safety of our most vulnerable members of the community.”

To donate visit bit.ly/2hSIKi4.