Ruby's inspiring Run for the Blokes
"We don't give up on them. Men, we are not giving up on. We do want to hear what you're going through, and we do want to listen and we do want to help you."
by Courtney O'Brien
"We don't give up on them. Men, we are not giving up on. We do want to hear what you're going through, and we do want to listen and we do want to help you."
Fifteen-year-old Ruby Durbin's uncle Leigh Durbin died by suicide five years ago and will endure a gruelling 351 kilometre run for men's mental health and suicide prevention next month called Run for the Blokes.
The big-hearted teen wanted to do something meaningful, after also losing her cousin Jade Durbin to suicide and hearing from male friends that they were finding it difficult to talk when going through a rough patch.
"It made me think that what if Leigh had felt like he could talk about it. That things might be different, that he might still be here.
"I feel like men don't get heard enough and that they need to be able to talk about it."
To help ensure other families don't suffer the same heartbreak, Ruby will be running 250kms, cumulatively, across November, before tackling the final 101kms in three epic stages.
Starting from the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, over three days Ruby will make her way to the finish line at Drouin Civic Park to arrive on Sunday, November 23.
She has been training alongside her dad Ben Durbin since August, covering five to 10 kilometres most days, stretching to avoid injury and eating well to stay healthy.
It has been difficult, she said.
"It's a big thing, and especially at 15, it's not what the normal 15-year-old would be doing. I feel like most 15-year-olds don't wake up and go; I'm going to run an ultra-marathon for men's mental health."
The 351km target is a deliberate and significant tribute to her uncle.
"Leigh was a rev head, loved his cars, and his car with the original engine, was a 351 Ford Cleveland. The car is the logo for the run."
"He was an amazing soul. He used to light up a room. He was always smiling, was always happy. He knew how to cheer you up."
A fundraising target of $10,000 has been set and 100 per cent of proceeds will go to Lifeline Gippsland.
"Gippsland actually has the highest rate of men's suicide in Victoria. It's through the roof. It's not okay. Lifeline Gippsland, they've just been there for a lot of men, that is who they call," Ruby said.
"They don't get enough funding for what they need to do. So, the money will go to them."
Strong support and encouragement from family, friends and teachers has come alongside broader community support for the event.
Sponsorship from local businesses has been much appreciated while TV celebrity Dave Hughes has committed to attending the finishing event in Drouin.
"Everyone has been really, really supportive and a lot of people are believing in me and they're not looking at the bad things. They're not looking at like, oh, she can't do it, she's not able to do it. They're looking at it and going, you can do it. You've got this."
To run with Ruby or to donate go to: Facebook: Run for the Blokes or https://makingadifference.gofundraise.com.au/page/Ruby-28478686
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by text 0477 13 11 14.
