The Chronicle

Thousands raised for ‘Fortey’

- TOM GILLESPIE tom.gillespie@thechronic­le.com.au

THE widow of fallen Toowoomba police officer Brett Forte thanked hundreds of people who took part in a charity run named in his honour.

Up to 600 runners took part in the 40 For Fortey event at Prince Henry Heights yesterday.

The inaugural 40km run raised about $12,000 for Police Legacy, which looks after the families of fallen officers.

Susie Forte, whose husband Senior Constable Brett Forte was shot and killed by a gunman last year, showed her appreciati­on at the teams who competed.

“I know Brett will be up there laughing at how much pain we’re in here,” she joked to entrants after the race.

“I just want to thank, on behalf of mine and Brett’s family, all of you for the ongoing support and everyone for coming today.

“Without all the support, I don’t know where we would be today.”

Organiser and Senior Constable Louise Macdonald said the number of runners had exceeded even her wildest hopes.

“We had between 550 and 600 runners. It was way bigger than we imagined,” she said.

“The community support was incredible. We had to shut the nomination­s before the actual day.”

Sen-Constable Macdonald said she hoped to run the event next year.

“I think today showed what a great community we have in Toowoomba and the positive nature of it,” she said.

Her husband Matt won the overall race, who paid tribute the “police family” for supporting the Forte family through a difficult year.

 ?? Photos: Nev Madsen ?? WINNER: Susie Forte, widow of Sen-Constable Brett Forte, congratula­tes Matt Macdonald on winning the inaugural 40 for Fortey run.
Photos: Nev Madsen WINNER: Susie Forte, widow of Sen-Constable Brett Forte, congratula­tes Matt Macdonald on winning the inaugural 40 for Fortey run.
 ??  ?? John Penney finishes the 40 for Fortey run solo around Prince Henry Drive, pictured with Katie and Peyton Forte.
John Penney finishes the 40 for Fortey run solo around Prince Henry Drive, pictured with Katie and Peyton Forte.
 ??  ?? Raw Girl team members Tiffany van Rensburg (left) and Danielle Penhaligon record their finish in the 40 for Fortey run.
Raw Girl team members Tiffany van Rensburg (left) and Danielle Penhaligon record their finish in the 40 for Fortey run.
 ??  ?? Brett and Susie Forte's son Sam (centre) completes a lap with his uncles Luke (left) and Chris Forte in the 40 for Fortey run.
Brett and Susie Forte's son Sam (centre) completes a lap with his uncles Luke (left) and Chris Forte in the 40 for Fortey run.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia