RUNNING TO HELP OUT KIDS IN NEED
JAKE Malby stands out in a crowd.
As the ultra-marathon runner walked towards us, it was tough to pinpoint the exact reason he was so special.
Was it the maze of tattooed artwork? Was it the fiery red beard framing such a genuine smile? We found out why. This real-life Forrest Gump is selfless in helping others.
He spoke of all he has achieved through running insane distances, but it was defining his own purpose in it all that moved us the most.
No longer willing to sit still and watch his own mental health spiral, he runs … and with each step, creates experiences that restore and heal, that redeem and renew greater positivity. He shared:
“I’ve been a surfer my whole life. I wasn’t a runner until 2016.
“I had a few issues with my mental health and I ended up in a pretty bad place.
“I took up running to better myself and my mental wellbeing. I love pushing myself mentally. “I love doing things for charity. “My 31 Marathons in 31 Days for the mental health charity Livin in 2018 was a fundraiser but my goal was more about awareness, to get
people out there, running with me and speaking up.
“Every day I dedicated a marathon to someone and shared their story.
“It gave me purpose to get up and run more than 1380km in that month. My next initiative is for Kids Help Line.
“I’ll be running from the Sydney Opera House to Burleigh covering 122km per day with a goal to complete it in nine days.
“If I can help this organisation, I can help kids.
“I didn’t study or read anything in a book. It’s all a lived experience.
“I openly talk about my life, where I am now and share my purpose and passion.
“You have to back yourself because as soon as you have selfdoubt, the wheels come off.”