Photo Indigenous Marathon Foundation
As the sun was rising on Sunday’s Gold Coast half marathon, Byron Bay’s very own ‘Off The Street On Our Feet’ team headed off across the starting line.
As reported last week, a group of locals who have experienced homelessness firsthand trained for the event to raise much needed funds for Byron’s Fletcher Street Cottage and to break stereotypes around homelessness. As an essential service, the cottage receives no ongoing government funding.
Co-organiser Mathew Broster told The Echo, ‘What I witnessed, felt and lived through during those 21 kilometres, was like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my entire life’.
‘At different stages, there were tears of pride, inspiration and joy. The emotions, the meaningful connections and the unspoken moments – where I could barely speak – were all part of the conclusion to this 11-week journey’.
Broster said he was incredibly inspired by his fellow runners.
‘Like so many of us, I’ve had pre-conceived, conditioned, and programmed responses to those experiencing homelessness. I now realise it is all nonsense. Some of the most beautiful moments I have ever experienced were during Saturday’s half marathon, and as for seeing raw strength, determination, and stamina, it was all revealed in such an epic way. For that, I am so proud!’
‘The Fletcher Street Cottage would like to send out a huge thank you for all the community support, and collaboration for helping us successfully raise almost $13,000 for our cottage.
‘Another huge thank you goes out to the Byron Bay Runners Club, for not only holding “Off The Street On Our Feet” accountable for 36 training runs, but for all your coaching, leadership, empowerment and especially for your friendship and counselling’.
For more information on Fletcher Street Cottage, or to donate, visit www.fletcher-streetcottage.com.au.
Sniff. (heartfelt)