Hayley Edwards is ready to help those with the challenge.
Camera IconHayley Edwards is ready to help those with the challenge. Credit: Supplied/Gabrielle Jeffery

Baldivis treadmill challenge to raise funds for suicide prevention

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

A search is on to find the fittest person in Baldivis to take part in a 24-hour treadmill challenge.

The challenge is to help prevent one of the most devastating causes of death – suicide.

Started by a group who have lost family and friends to suicide, the Plebs, Pros & Personalities for Suicide Prevention Australia (PPP4SPA) 24 hour Treadmill challenge was created in 2013.

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Money raised from the event goes directly to Suicide Prevention Australia.

This year, Anytime Fitness Baldivis owner Hayley Edwards is on board because of the importance of the cause.

“Everyone is raising money or doing something for someone but this is just so important; suicide is the leading cause of death for our young people aged 15 -24,” she said.

“I have been personally affected by it as I have lost both a family member and friend to it.

“Its affects so many people and devastates entire communities.”

Ms Edwards said the focus of the challenge was to have fun and engage people.

“We want the fittest person in Baldivis and are keen to get corporate teams and sponsors on board along with individuals,” she said.

“A slumber party is planned for the night too.

“Sponsorship starts at $15 for each 15 minute block on the treadmill; our goal is $15,000.”

Baldivis Ward Councillor Matt Whitfield encouraged residents to join in.

“The team are wanting this to be a real community fun event; look for the fittest person and there will be a Guinness Book of World Record’s attempt going on,” he said.

“I am putting in my own team, called Cr Matt’s Snail Paced Runners, and the hope is that the community gets involved in this and that local businesses will ‘volunteer’ an employee of theirs and sponsor that employee as well.”

The challenge is from 6pm July 28 – 6pm July 29.

For registrations visit www.suicidepreventionaust.org/projects/anytime-fitness-ppp4spa-24-hour-treadmill-challenge.

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