UPDATE: In a remarkable display of determination, 38-year-old Mitch McKinney has just completed an incredible 1,132-kilometre journey, running from the red dust of Broken Hill to the coastal breezes of Newcastle over the past 29 days. This extraordinary feat, which included running a marathon every day, was driven by McKinney’s mission to raise awareness and funds for children with Angelman Syndrome.
What makes McKinney’s achievement even more astonishing? He completed 380 kilometres of this challenge with a fractured hip, demonstrating resilience and dedication that has captivated the nation.
The journey began on August 22, fueled not by athletic ambition, but by empathy. McKinney was inspired after meeting Huxley, a one-year-old boy with Angelman Syndrome, through his son’s day care run by Jess and Bree Maguire in regional New South Wales. Upon Huxley’s diagnosis, Jess described the emotional toll, saying, “You’re thrown into this new world that you never even knew existed.”
McKinney’s mission was simple yet powerful: to run from bush to beach, one marathon a day, to raise funds for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics. As he ran, he dedicated each day to a different child affected by rare conditions, bringing attention to their struggles while pushing through his own pain.
The grueling routine involved waking up, eating, hydrating, and then running 40 kilometres daily. Despite facing injuries, blisters, and sunburn, McKinney maintained perspective. “Mine will be over. Mine was only ever gonna last the month. Theirs lasts a lifetime,” he stated, reflecting on the challenges faced by families like Huxley’s.
As he approached the halfway mark, the pain intensified, yet he pressed on, ignoring medical advice to stop. It was only after completing the entire run that scans revealed the severity of his injury. “What we didn’t know was that 380km of that run, he did with a fractured hip,” his supporters revealed.
With overwhelming community support, McKinney raised an astonishing $164,000 for the cause. Celebrities including Casey Barnes and Fatboy Slim rallied behind him, amplifying awareness for Angelman Syndrome.
When he reached Newcastle, McKinney remained humble, joking about the turnout. “There’ll be some people, some not. Probably just…” However, Jess Maguire was quick to recognize his impact, stating, “Mitch is a hero. He didn’t have to do any of this… that kind of empathy is rare.”
As McKinney recovers from surgery and faces six weeks on crutches, the journey continues for families like Jess and Bree’s. Huxley has begun making progress, rolling and achieving small victories. “We’re hopeful in the next five years, cures will be available,” Jess emphasized.
McKinney’s run has sparked conversations about Angelman Syndrome, raising awareness for a condition often overlooked. “This run means the world to us,” Jess said. “Not just the money raised, but the awareness. People are googling Angelman Syndrome. They’re talking about it. They’re seeing our kids.”
The story of Mitch McKinney is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact one person can have when they choose to act on behalf of those who cannot. As he recovers, the message is clear: empathy and community support can drive change, one step at a time.
