Victorians are putting on their running shoes to participate in a virtual fundraiser for the Police Legacy. Here’s how you can get involved in the Run for Blue campaign.
For our serving police officers, fighting PTSD has never been more important.
In his 18 years as a working cop, Leading Senior Constable Glenn Holland has seen too many colleagues prematurely leave the job because of the trauma of daily policing.
It is why he is launching the Run for Blue campaign in May, a virtual run where participants choose a running or walking goal with proceeds from their registration going to Police Legacy.
Leading Sen Con Holland said it was “vital” to raise funds as well as reduce the stigma surrounding mental health for police officers.
“I’ve had work colleagues take their own lives, we are trying to reduce the stigma and make sure there is help,” Sen Con Holland said.
“Police Legacy needs all the cash they can get, I have a lot of friends that use that charity.”
n April, four service police officers died on duty, which has already had a ripple effect on the policing community and will continue to do so for years to come.
“It is total shock and sadness for us losing four of our blue family,” Sen Con Holland said.
“You don’t expect it. It brings to the forefront how dangerous our job is.”
One participant Charlotte has pledged to run 159km in May, to reflect a total of the badge numbers the officers were assigned when they were sworn into the force.
So far more than 200 Victorians had signed up for the Run For Blue with participation being encouraged across the state
Written by Brianna Travers
Herald Sun
Photograph by Tim Carrafa,
Herald Sun