By BRIDGET COOK
PLENTY of people have run an ultra-marathon, so Jake Ward wanted to go one better when he set himself the ultimate challenge for a good cause.
The Dandenong footballer will run 110 kilometres in December to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
Mr Ward, 28, said he decided to do the fund-raiser for a number of reasons, including the fact that so many people were affected by the horrible disease.
“I’ve had a cousin who past away from breast cancer years ago,” he said.
“I’ve also had family and friends affected by this horrible disease.
“Usually, my family does a fund-raiser each year and my football club helps out a bit.
“This year, I’d thought I’d do one by myself and really set myself a challenge.”
Mr Ward will leave his Cranbourne home on 7 December and run around Casey, make his way to Lysterfield Park then back to Cranbourne, then head to Frankston Pier and run along the beach before returning home.
He estimates the run will take him about 18 hours.
Mr Ward said he had been preparing himself the best he could, for what was going to be a demanding challenge.
“I’ve got the mental strength to complete and hopefully I’ll manage physically,” he said.
“I’ve been doing as much running as I can and generally looking after myself.
“There will no doubt be stages where I need to walk, nobody is that fit to run the whole way, but I will complete it.
“There’s no chance of me stopping, regardless of how long it takes or how hard it is.”
Mr Ward said he had already received great support from his family and friends since announcing his fund-raiser but also called on the community to help in any way they could.
As well as hoping to reach $5000 in donations, Mr Ward said he was also looking for support with volunteers for the run to assist with water and food stops, massages, running gear, along with photographers to capture the journey.
Anyone who can assist is urged to email Mr Ward on jakewardmotivation@gmail.com or visit www.everydayhero.com.au/jake_ward_motivation to donate.
