Firefighter takes on the Blue Mountains for mental health

In just one week, NSW firefighter Mike Kelly will run 100 miles across the Blue Mountains to raise awareness about first responder mental health and funds for Fortem Australia.

Mike will start at the Kanangra Walls car park about 6am on Friday 3 October, running to Glenbrook Village – a 160km journey through some of the Blue Mountains’ most iconic and toughest trails. It’s a journey that will take some 30 hours.

The Unseen Wounds 100-mile run aims to shine a light on the unseen wounds – trauma and psychological distress – that first responders and their families can carry.

It is also raising money for Fortem Australia, an independent provider of mental health and wellbeing programs and services for first responders and their families.

“Many people I know have PTSD or some form of mental distress that negatively affects them and their families,” Mike said.

“My father also went to war for the Australian Air Force and eventually died as a result and this had a terrible impact on myself and my family when I was only little. It’s one of the reasons Fortem’s support for families is particularly important to me.”

While Mike is planning the event as a solo run, he will be supported by aid stations and checkpoints along the way. He is also inviting keen runners to join him for part or all of the challenge.

To support Mike’s challenge, visit the Unseen Wounds donation page at https://fortem-australia.grassrootz.com/unseen-wounds-100m