SWAN HILL born and raised, Ross Scott has been taking on road running challenges including marathons for several years.
The achievement has largely been for personal satisfaction but this year he plans to embark on an even greater challenge for different reasons and the protection of children will be at the forefront of his endeavour.
“Recently I was made aware of Bravehearts and the incredible work they do,” he said.
“It was a revelation, a moment in time when I knew I could be doing more for the community and vulnerable children.
“This was my ah-ha moment and having recently turned 50, I decided I wanted to run for a cause.
“I want to run for those who can’t and I want to run for the children who are unable to escape situations outside of their control.
By taking on the challenge Scott hopes to raise awareness and funds to protect children from sexual assault and exploitation.
As a participant in the Bravehearts 777 he has committed to raising $10,000 by June.
Held between June 29 and July 5, a maximum of 30 runners will each tackle seven marathons, over seven states, in seven days.
Each runner will commit to raising a minimum of $10,000 for the prevention of child sexual assault starting in Perth and finishing on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Funds raised will be used by Bravehearts to provide support to victims as well as to conduct prevention and protective programs.
According to Bravehearts they are specifically dedicated to preventing the crime of child sexual assault and their vision is to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child.
Bravehearts’ services include counselling and support, preventive education, child protection training, research, advocacy and lobbying for legislative reform.
“Some of the facts about child sexual abuse include that 1 in 5 Australian children will be sexually harmed in some way before the age of 18,” Scott said.
“That equates to approximately 59,000 children every year.
“One in three girls and one in seven boys in Australia have experienced some form of child sexual assault.
“The monetary cost of child sexual assault to Australia is conservatively estimated at $10.4 billion per year.
“There are confirmed links between trauma related to childhood sexual assault and mental health issues in adults.
“Negative mental health effects that have been consistently associated include post-traumatic symptoms, depression, substance abuse, conduct problems, eating disorders and anxiety.
“More recently child sexual abuse has also been linked to psychotic disorders including schizophrenia and delusional disorder as well as personality disorders.”
Now residing in Canberra with his wife and children, Scott still gets back to the Swan Hill region on a regular basis to visit family and friends.
Some of his previous accomplishments include Sydney’s iconic City 2 Surf, half marathons and marathons.
He recently started in trail ultramarathons completing the Ultra Trail Australia 100 (UTA100) in 2018 and UTA 50 and Canberra 100 in 2019.
In reaching his target of $10,000 he is calling for sponsors to support his challenge or welcomes anyone who would just like to make a simple donation.
“We have different sponsorship packages which will offer recognition to any corporation or business that would like to come on board,” he said.
“This can be through direct logo placement on running attire, acknowledgment on social media and a range of other benefits.
“It is also just a great way to be involved with a really worthwhile cause.
“This crime is preventable and by educating adults and empowering children, we can ensure that Australia becomes the safest place in the world to raise a child.”
To make a donation or enquire about sponsorship packages contact Ross Scott directly on 0407 906 770 or email rossscott69@hotmail.com.
