Mandurah's Brooke McIntosh to run 1600km for mental health awareness

Brooke is running from Karratha to Perth raising money for mental health. PIC: Brookemma.rose/Instagram

Mandurah woman Brooke McIntosh has embarked on a 1600km journey from the Pilbara to Perth to raise money and awareness for mental health.

The 27-year-old began the mammoth run from the blue tree in Dampier on August 20.

She hopes to run about 60km a day to make it to the blue tree at City Beach in Perth on September 16.

Brooke has already run 300km and raised $42,000 for her chosen charities 20Talk and Blue Tree Project.

The former FIFO worker said the industry can be really tough on the mental health of workers.

"I absolutely loved working up north but one thing I did notice was that our mental health wasn't taken too seriously," she said.

"In 2021 we lost 322 young Australians to suicide and on our sites we lost over 200 people to suicide.

"I want to spark these conversations to make these uncomfortable conversations comfortable to have."

Brooke has opened up about her own struggles with mental health and said running has been a huge help to her.

"I never want anyone to go through what I have been through in life," she said.

"While I've been suffering my own internal demons for many years, I've definitely seeked the help and support that I was worthy of.

"I've also found running as my massive escape and it's helped me through my darker days." 

Brooke will go through seven pairs of shoes and will run without headphones or music on her 28-day journey.

To support her run click here. 

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