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Why We run
Mick Burns
WHY IS LEGACY IMPORTANT
I have seen first hand the fantastic work legacy does for families, on a personal note the board of legacy in WA has assisted my family and it’s vitally important we keep raising money and awareness to keep the fantastic work they do possible. (All WA coppers need to make sure they check their payslip to make sure they donate to legacy and pfac)
WHY DO I RUN/WALK
The main reason I run/walk is aside from the olympic flame burning inside (that maybe indigestion though) and the obvious physical and mental health benefits, if I didn’t, I would probably get to a size that if I were to sit on the beach, I would stop the tide coming in!
SUNRISE OR SUNSET
Although I prefer to run in the early morning, as I am a very positive person, exercise in the morning starts me off in well and puts me in a good mindset, Im very much dictated by shifts, motivation and those demanding freeloaders known as children. Live a very busy life with a special needs 4 year old with very complex medical issues means juggling appointments, therapies and other curve balls means I just get out when I can. I have an amazing wife that does most of the heavy lifting between her uni studies and work. We live in a madhouse but it’s a fun one!
Erin Elworthy
She and partner Scott started the Brad Hardy Team for Run4Blue 2021.
WHY IS LEGACY IMPORTANT
Police Legacy is important to me because they look after police as if they are family. You will always feel as though you have support as long as they are around.
WHY DO I RUN/WALK
I usually run to clear my head, but this year I am running in honour an amazing friend who tragically passed away this year. Brad Hardy had a heart of gold and has left a mark on so many.
SUNRISE OR SUNSET
I am most definitely a sunset person - no matter where you are in the world it’s always beautiful.
Jarrod Gibson
Police Career;
RAAF Police 1990-1995
Tasmania Police 2001-2012
Australian Federal Police (Seconded) 2006-2008
Ran when I younger, but had lost fitness/gained weight, peaking at almost 100kg in 2009 (may have been heavier in 2007, judging by photos.
Lost 30kg between Nov 09 and Feb 10, to do Kokoda Track in 2010, got to 78kg.
Returned from Kokoda, and found new motivation to stay fit by running again. Ran first Marathon, Gold Coast 2011, just under 4 hours, have now done 22 marathons, PB of 2.56.53 at age 50 (still planning to go faster.
Now I regularly run marathons and other distance events as a pacer to help others achieve their goals, as well as coaching, with emphasis on “older” females wanting to do first marathon/half marathon.
Also give blood (plasma) every fortnight, up to 240, with 250th donation booked in for Police Remembrance Day 2020.
“Had to be there moment”;
Standing on the start line of the 2017 Berlin Marathon with the great Steve Moneghetti, the day after he was inducted into the Berlin Marathon Wall of Fame.
Police Legacy motivation;
When I was with AFP, I was honoured to be a part of the funeral parties for the AFP officers killed in the Garuda plane crash, and then, a marathoning friend of mine in New Zealand, who was a member of NZ Police, who was entered for Boston Marathon this year thus completing her 6 Majors, was killed in a car accident on her way to work in March. (The second pic is at the finish of the 2020 Run The Bridge the week after she passed, hence the black armband, and her name was written on the red tape around my wrist. I intend to run Boston in 2021 in her honour.
Louise Broadfoot
WHY DO YOU RUN?
To be honest I don’t really like to run! I prefer to cycle ... But I know it’s good for me and I also know my dog loves coming along so when she’s happy, I’m happy.
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I was in Vic Pol before I moved up to Qld and although I didn’t know any of the officers who died recently, that event hit me hard as I’m sure it did many of our mates in the Thin Blue Line. It’s nice to know that Police Legacy can help look after those left behind, not just in this case but they have been doing amazing work for years. The police family looks after each other even if we don’t know each other.
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
A group of flamingos is called a “flamboyance”!!!
Glen Holland
WHY DO YOU RUN?
I am the worst runner in the world, I am slow but I run for motivation to keep moving forward. Plus I eat a heap of donuts so I need somehow keep the weight down.
I run for those that just find it hard to get out of the house with anxiety issues and to help raise awareness for PTSD and mental health issues for our Victoria Police members and retired veterans.
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Police legacy means alot to me. I have family friends who have been involved with legacy for over 25 years now. They do an amazing job supporting our Police family and continue to do so.
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
Golf balls tend to have 336 dimples.
Peter Morrissey
WHY DO YOU RUN?
I don’t ‘like’ to run! I do walk quite a lot and get into a run/jog when possible. I am involved in elite pathway football with Peel and need to keep a level of fitness to ensure that I both keep up with the other coaches (all very much younger 😉) and at least be able to contribute with coaching. The past 2 years I have also taken the role as game day runner with the Colts program. In addition, I have 8 grandkids aged 1 to 8 and they need a Poppa who can participate with them. So I actually don’t like running but see it as a necessity to keep a healthy lifestyle and enjoy life.
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I hope I NEVER need Police Legacy! What we do is inherently dangerous and as has been shown across the nation in the recent past, tragedy happens and we all need to have that awareness. So Police Legacy becomes the most important part of making sure our colleagues and our own families will be looked after if something goes very wrong. I hope all officers are contributing and buying-in to the ethos of care and consideration for those around us. Over my 38 years with WA Police I have always contributed not only by my pay deductions but by helping out at fundraisers like the BloodySlow Cup, the Karratha to Broome bike ride and the Con Regan Football Match. It’s a great way of building camaraderie and mateship.
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
People say I have a head full of absolutely useless facts. In England in the 1500s, most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June. Since they were starting to smell, however, brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odour. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.
Andy Warton
WHY DO YOU RUN?
I like to run for physical and mental health, but also to be part of organised running events and share a run with friends.
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
As a former police officer I have witnessed first hand the wonderful work police legacy organisations do for legatees. I have also witnessed driest have the incredible sacrifices our police officers make every day, every hour of every shift to keep Australians safe.
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
Every time you lick a stamp, you consume 1/10 of a calorie.
Rod Smith
WHY DO YOU RUN?
Running keeps me fit and allows me time to think and clear my head, while listening to my favourite country music tunes. Toby Keith’s “Beer for my Horses” is top of the list! I enjoy running new and different routes which stops me from getting bored. I also enjoy running with our policing students during their regular ‘rope runs’ to see how their fitness is progressing, and give them a word of encouragement along the way.
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
It is incumbent on all of us to look after the police family, especially the family members of those police who have died on duty. It’s in our blood. When these tragedies occur, we band together to grieve the loss, but we also support and honour their family who live with this grief forever after. Police Legacy does a wonderful job in providing that support across each jurisdiction, but relies upon the charity and generosity of us all.
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
Cows produce more milk if they listen to music during milking, preferably “Beer for my Horses”.
Brigette and Corrina
WHY DO YOU RUN?
To try to keep fit, and also, my 2 x German Shepherds kind of need the exercise!..
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Having a family member pass away when I was a child, I can understand how Legacy can change a families life, it’s the little things that can make a difference..
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
Wild Dolphins call to each other by name…..
WHY DO YOU RUN?
I don’t run anymore, dodgy knees but I try to walk often haha sometimes it’s a crawl.
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Police Legacy is an important organisation that supports police officers and their families in times of need. It’s nice to know they have our backs and our families will be supported if something happens to one of us.
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
There are more chickens than people in the world.
Michael Hebb
WHY DO YOU RUN?
Whilst I had always enjoyed the occasional (infrequent) run, eight years ago I decided to run my first marathon. I have finished 17 marathons since then, with 10 of those being completed last year.
I enjoy setting goals and working towards achieving them. There is a great sense of satisfaction when you achieve your personal goals. This process is inherently beneficial for your mental wellbeing, and then there’s the additional physical fitness that is realised through running.
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
It gives me great comfort in knowing that there are not for profit Associations that support the police family. There are a variety of crucial services that our Legacy organisations provide, and this is reassuring and greatly appreciated for the ongoing support of our families.
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
The world’s longest running race is 4989 kilometres long over 52 days (Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Race). Now that would be a challenge....
Mathew
WHY DO YOU RUN?
Running provides me with an escape from our immediate surroundings. When I run I like to break free from the paths and roads we follow on a day to day basis. I enjoy being able to run through the bush or around a mountain and wonder if anyone has been there before.
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Unfortunately the bottom line is our job is unpredictable and can be fraught with danger. Having organisations like Police Legacy is beyond important as they are able to support the loved ones who have unfortunately lost the member of their family serving in the police force.
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
Believe it or not LEGO is the worlds largest tyre manufacturer.
Debbie
WHY DO YOU RUN?
I started at the ripe age of 48 and a half after I decided I needed to be more active as I approached the big 5 oh and began my journey by walking at my local Parkrun in Devonport. My first major event was the half marathon on Gold Coast and I jeffed the Queenstown half marathon for my 50th. I have jeffed the Gold Coast marathon and was in a Tasmania Police team of 4 crazy women who completed the SurfCoast 100km late last year. This is where I met the amazing and inspirational Run4Blue co-founder Tammy Watson from NT Police.
WHY IS POLICE LEGACY SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I am proud and humbled to be able to actively provide ongoing support the families after the loss of their loved one. Legacy demonstrates the kindness, compassion and strength of the police family to enhance the lives of those left behind and ensure they are never forgotten.
WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS FACT YOU KNOW?
The most useless fact I know is that it would take over 27 years to visit a beach a day in Australia. I best get cracking!!!
Matty Heckenberg
WHY DO YOU RUN?
Although I have been with the AFP for only a short time (4 1/2 years) I have lost more than one colleague (passed away on duty), one of which was a friend. I run every May to raise money for the families who have lost their loved ones and to raise awareness for mental health.