A Werribee mum is going the extra mile to protect children against sexual assault.
Next month, Danielle McLaren will take on the Bravehearts 777 challenge of completing seven marathons across seven states and territories in seven days.
The event will raise money for children’s charity Bravehearts.
Ms McLaren, who is a primary school teacher, said the staggering statistics on child sexual assault in Australia were motivating her to compete in the event.
“Currently, one in five children are harmed in some way before they turn 18,” she said.
“This means there could be five victims in my classroom alone. As a teacher and a mother of a young girl, I want to do what I can to raise awareness on how we can prevent this crime from ever happening.”
Ms McLaren will be supported on her journey by her family and is looking forward to them cheering her on during the Melbourne leg.
“[My daughter] has only just turned five but she’s been going around at social events and fundraisers telling everyone that I’m doing a big race,” she said.
“She knows all the money to going towards helping children.
“I’m just so proud that I’ve already made a huge difference for the cause through not only donations, but also the broader awareness of Bravehearts and child sexual assault.”
Bravehearts 777 will take place between June 29 and July 5 and involves marathons in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, Kingscliff and Gold Coast.
