Sister’s marathon effort for lost brother

“MO SISTA” Katie Bourke will go the extra mile to raise money and awareness for men’s health during Movember

Movember has become well known as the hairy month of moustache growing, but each year more and more women are getting behind the charity.

Dr Bourke, who grew up in Hobart but now works as a psychiatrist in Melbourne, has not only launched a sock-selling fundraiser but will also take on the New York Marathon next month.

The cause is close to Dr Bourke’s heart as her younger brother, Andy, took his life in July 2017, aged 26. Dr Bourke described Andy as “spontaneous and the life of the party”.

“We are all human and no one is immune to mental illness or mental distress,” she said.

“Andy’s enthusiasm was infectious and his absence has left a gaping hole in all our hearts. After losing Andy, every day was a complete effort just to put one foot in front of the next.”

Dr Bourke said the idea for Soul Socks came about as Andy was a lover of great socks.

All profits made from the fashionable footwear will be donated to Movember.

“There are a limited number of unisex adult moustache socks in red, grey and blue, as well as a range of cute kids’ moustache socks,” Dr Bourke said. “The socks are a bit of fun and a great way to get behind such an important cause.”

Getting involved with the Mobart Mo Bros and walking the Point to Pinnacle in November 2017 was a way for Dr Bourke to do something positive for herself, while also raising money and awareness for men’s health. This year, Ms Bourke has a bigger aim.

On November 3, Andy should have been turning 29. Instead of celebrating his birthday, Dr Bourke will be tackling the 42.2km New York City Marathon in Andy’s memory.

To order Soul Socks visit www.soulsocks.com.au or to donate to Dr Bourke’s marathon attempt, head to the website mosista.co/katiebourke.