News
10 September, 2025
550km Fuss about Russ
CABOOLTURE, Burpengary and Redcliffe police stations will play a special role this month when an ultramarathon runner passes through on a 550km journey honouring the memory of a long-serving detective and raising funds for police mental health.
Jessica Miller, family friend and former colleague of former Sunshine Coast detective Russell Sheehan, will run from Woodgate, near Bundaberg, to Brisbane as part of the Blue HOPE Ultra: A Fuss About Russ, marking nearly 10 years since the passing of Detective Senior Constable Sheehan.
Mr Sheehan, whose distinguished 33-year career included being among the first responders to the devastating Childers Palace Backpackers Hostel fire in 2000, died by suicide on December 23, 2015. The 53-year-old’s passing devastated his wife Kathy, their four daughters, his colleagues, and friends—including Mrs Miller.
“Russ always had a smile and a friendly word for you. He was a genuine, kind, beautiful man. The world is a poorer place for missing Russ,” she said.
“With the 10-year anniversary of his passing approaching, I wanted to do something meaningful—to show his family that Russ is not forgotten, and to honour his legacy by helping others who may be struggling.”
Mrs Miller also hopes to raise $50,000 for Blue HOPE, a Brisbane-based not-for-profit organisation that has provided independent, confidential mental health support to current and former police officers across Australia since 2014.
A mother of four and ultramarathon runner, Mrs Miller has been training and planning the 550km journey since January, hoping to run up to 100km per day, aiming to reach Brisbane for the Police Remembrance Day service.
“This run isn’t just about the distance—it’s about honouring Russ and every officer who’s struggled in silence.”
She will set off from Woodgate, near Bundaberg, on Monday, September 22, and is expected to arrive in Brisbane on Monday, September 29—National Police Remembrance Day. Mrs Miller will stop at local police stations along the route, including Bargara, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Noosa Heads, Coolum, Maroochydore, Kawana, Caloundra, Caboolture, Burpengary, Deception Bay, Redcliffe, Sandgate, and Albany Creek.
“These police station visits are an important part of the run. They’re about connection—showing our officers that they are not alone, and that their wellbeing matters to the community,” Mrs Miller said.
Russell’s widow, Kathy, has given her full support to the campaign.
“The first anniversary of Russell’s death was marked by a ride from Woodgate, so Jess’s run in his memory will be significant,” she said. “I’m not a runner myself, but our family will be doing everything we can to support Jess and this extremely worthy cause.
“Raising awareness is essential—conversations about mental health need to remain front and centre. We must not become complacent.”
A 2023 research report by the WA Police Union estimated that 35 serving police officers died by suicide between 2000 and 2023. Alarmingly, suicide rates in law enforcement nearly doubled during that period—from 7 per 100,000 officers in 2000 to 15.8 in 2023.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Ayres, founding director of Blue HOPE and a 30-year police veteran, expressed deep appreciation for Mrs Miller’s efforts.
“We’re extremely grateful for Jess’s determination—not only to raise vital funds, but to raise awareness in a way that could ultimately save lives,” he said.
“While police agencies across Australia have internal mental health programs, there’s still a reluctance among many officers to seek support through those channels.”
For more information or to donate visit https://bluehope.raiselysite.com
