31 May 2017 Two hundred and twenty two fabulous Lifeline WA legends ran to save lives on Sunday 28 May, raising an astounding $80 000! These vital funds will go directly to provide training for new telephone crisis supporters to help Western Australians in crisis. Volunteers commit to more than 172 hours of intensive training to support those in their time of greatest need. Lifeline WA was again one of four charity partners aligned with HBF Run for Reason and we were thrilled to welcome our runners across the finish line at the Lifeline WA marquee at Gloucester Park. Nine News Perth's Paddy Sweeney ran his first half-marathon, raising an impressive $3000 finishing in 1 hour and 43 minutes. “Since I’ve been working with Lifeline WA I have learnt that about one in every five Australians experiences a mental illness each year,” Mr Sweeney said. “It costs Lifeline WA $3000 to train one crisis support volunteer with the skills to save a life and that’s why I am aiming to raise that amount.” “The impact of losing someone to suicide is something that is likely to have touched almost all of us in some way – whether that be a friend, a family member or a colleague.” 92.9's breakfast announcer Heidi Anderson also completed the course with her four “lookalikes’ after she injured her knee in the lead-up to the event. Miss Galaxy, Elise Nazzari, the Bedfordale Volunteer Fire Service, members of the WA Symphony Orchestra and community fundraisers Sharon Young and Alyce Potter also completed the course for Lifeline WA along with their teams. Lifeline WA Chief Executive Officer Lorna MacGregor was thrilled with the result. “Lifeline WA is extremely grateful to every one of our supporters who ran to promote the message that it’s OK to reach out for support, that there is always someone at the end of the phone who can help.” Back To News Stories