News
7 June, 2025
Running from Esk to Brisbane for mental health
FORMER local resident of Esk, Mitch Farlow, will be embarking on a 100km run from the Esk Memorial Park to the Brisbane Story Bridge on June 21, 2025.
Departing Esk at 3am on Saturday morning, Mitch hopes to complete the run in a single day to help raise funds for Beyond Blue.
“Running is something that I do regularly and has been a great outlet for me personally to deal with mental health challenges,” he said.
“I believe if I can stare down the barrel of a 100km run, running for 10-15 hours straight, the pain that I endure is nothing compared to what people experience on a mental health perspective.
“I want to raise awareness and raise money for those struggling mentally, especially in a world so cruel.”
Beyond Blue supports all people in Australia to achieve their best possible mental health and to help prevent suicide.
Funds raised go towards funding the Beyond Blue 24/7 Support Service, which provides 24/7 free mental health support via phone, webchat, and email and is entirely reliant on community donations.
More than 750 people reach out to the Beyond Blue 24/7 Support Service every day – which amounts to over 275,000 conversations every year.
Mitch is a big advocate of Mental Health awareness, working as an Advanced Peer Worker at the Crisis Stabilisation Unit at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane.
Using his lived experience of mental illness and recovery, as well as knowledge obtained with his dual diploma of Mental Health and Alcohol & Drugs, Mitch facilitates the development, planning, and delivery of recovery support to people presenting in mental health crisis and/or their families and carers.
In Mitch’s 24 years, he has achieved many sporting accolades, including being named Sportsman of the Year at The Australia Day Awards in 2018.
He has represented many rugby league clubs since his early teens. Recently, he has taken up boxing and is now studying a Certificate III & IV in Personal Training.
In Australia, around 5 million people are living with anxiety or depression. Nearly half of us will experience a mental health condition in our lifetime — so let’s ensure that no one struggles alone.
On average, 9 people in Australia take their own lives every day, 7 of whom are men. People wait more than 10 years before reaching out for mental health support.
With these statistics, Mitch’s contribution will be well received.
If you would like to support Mitch in any way, either by a cash donation to Beyond Blue or to just clap him on from the side of the road, it will all be much appreciated.
To donate visit https://fundraise.beyondblue.org.au/100kminaday
