By CASEY NEILL
JASMINA Pedic will run for 36 straight hours to try and save a life.
The 22-year-old’s father Rasim died in a rock-fishing accident at ‘the Punchbowl’ in San Remo in May 2006.
“Unfortunately it’s been a notorious spot where year after year, people keep losing their lives,” Ms Pedic said.
“I’ve decided to run to save a life, basically – to educate the public and promote safety awareness.”
She’ll run about 95 kilometres from her Noble Park North home to the rocks that claimed her father’s life, setting out on the morning of 8 May and arriving about 2.30pm the following day – the anniversary of her father’s death.
“I have not visited the site since the accident had occurred, as it was too painful for me and my family,” she said.
“Losing a loved one that close to your heart, not many people can imagine what kind of a wound it can create.
“I have hope and courage that by doing this run for my dad, and overcoming the physical challenges I’ve set for myself, that it will finally help me slowly make peace with it and deal with the grief.”
The most recent death at the fishing point was late last year.
“Since 2000 there have been more than five drownings at the same spot, making Punchbowl the second highest location for rock-fishing fatalities nationally,” Ms Pedic said.
She said it was important for anyone rock fishing to make sure someone was with them who could help if something went wrong.
“I don’t know if it’s ignorance that people ignore all these warnings, and ignore the fact that you have to be pretty well-equipped to fish there,” she said.
Ms Pedic’s run will raise money for Life Saving Victoria, whose mission is to prevent aquatic-related deaths and injuries in all Victorian communities.
Her goal is to donate $5000 and she’d raised almost $1000 in two days when she spoke to the Star this week.
“I wouldn’t want any other family to go through what we went through,” she said.
She’d also like the Bass Coast Shire Council to consider banning fishing at the Punchbowl.
“But I’m afraid that people might go to a more dangerous area,” she said.
Although she will be running alone, the paramedic will have her mum Azra and brother Mirza, 28 – both emergency nurses at Dandenong Hospital – driving alongside her.
“So if, God forbid, something does go wrong I’ve got the right help,” she laughed.
Her journey will take her along the Princes, South Gippsland and Bass highways and Phillip Island Road.
She plays soccer for Victoria and for Ashburton in the state’s premier league.
“But that’s the only training I’ve been doing, I haven’t really started running by myself yet,” she said.
“I’m a bit afraid of what’s ahead, but it’s all worth it. Whatever comes, I’m happy to take it.”
To support Ms Pedic, visit give.everydayhero.com/au/jasminapedic.
