Why I got involved in Sean’s project (Cairns to Melb run)
Written by Zac Brygel - (Logistics member, Run for Wishes).
4, July, 2022.
“I’m not going to take a break when the kids don’t get a break from their suffering” – that was what Sean said to me when I asked him whether he’d be taking days off to rest during this barely believable 14,000km run around Australia. Here Sean was referring to the kids supported by Make-A-Wish® Australia – the foundation this run is raising funds for.
Anyone who knows Sean would agree that the comment above sums him up and will testify that he inspires people like virtually nobody else – through both his actions and words.
I had the privilege of first meeting Sean when we worked together on a School Camp in late February 2019. At the time I had just enjoyed my 23rd birthday a couple of days earlier, and I still felt pretty young with plenty of time ahead of me to achieve things. Yet then I met Sean who was just 21 years old, and who had just finished running 50 marathons in 50 days in support of The Compassionate Friends Victoria.
I was immediately amazed by the enormity of such an achievement – particularly considering Sean was just 21 years old. The maturity, persistence, and heart required to run 50 marathons in 50 days cannot be understated, and so I was suddenly hooked by Sean’s desire to help others through his athletic feats. It also made me realise that age is never an excuse; you are never too young or too old to chase your dreams, and help others.
So once I heard Sean was aiming to run around Australia, I wanted to jump on board, and help him achieve something significant which will inspire others to achieve their best – whilst raising money for the amazing Make-A-Wish® Australia.
Being a part of Sean’s Cairns to Melbourne this year was really special to me. I was with Sean from Cairns all the way to Mackay, before I had to return to Melbourne for work. It is hard to fathom that the run was a ‘rehearsal’ for his run around Australia. I shared some kilometres with him and helped him through some tough times, like navigating the loss of his coach Jase when he heard the news on day 7.
Sean’s efforts have inspired me to do better in my life, and if you follow his journey, I am sure he will inspire you to do the same.
Somewhere on the A1 National Hwy near Mackay!
End of day 11 on the A1 between Proserpine and Mackay
Zac running on the left of Sean in hot Innisfail, FNQ (35-degree heat) with local caravan park owner Cameron riding by our side.
“I can’t thank Zac enough for all his support and hard work. People often notice the runner at the front of feats like my Run for Wishes, but they don’t notice the team of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the project to life. Zac has helped me with getting permits from police and road traffic authorities (e.g Vic Roads & NSW Roads) and the route of the run. He is one of the kindest and most selfless people you will ever meet!”
- Sean Bell, Runner, Run for Wishes.
