ACT Comet Blake MacDonald will undertake a 24-hour run this week to raise money for Lifeline Australia.
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MacDonald plans to run up to 200km in loops around Kaleen starting on Saturday, an idea that came to him while trying to keep busy during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The opening batsman has been volunteering for Lifeline most of the year and decided it was the best cause to run for.
"I've really enjoyed pushing my physical and mental limits to see what I'm capable of," MacDonald said.
"And then this was kind of the latest challenge I wanted to try out to see how far I can go in 24 hours.
"I started volunteering at Lifeline this year and I kind of thought it would be a good thing to put together and raise some money and awareness for a really good cause, those two things sort of came together."
MacDonald won't be facing this feat alone - teammates have created a roster to make sure that there is always someone next to him during the challenge.
Overwhelmed and amazed support from the community, MacDonald has encouraged people to come out and cheer him on.
"That's blown me away and been the best part of this whole experience is seeing the way that the community gets around you to support you," MacDonald said.
"The fact that I know that every minute of the run I'm going to have a teammate by my side there supporting me is incredible and I think it says a lot about them.
"The Florey Supabarn is going to be providing food for a barbecue for people to come out and support, so just little things like that. I think that's a really positive aspect of an event like this."
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MacDonald, who studies psychology, said Lifeline had long been an important organisation for many Australians and was proud to be running on their behalf.
"It's there for anyone that's probably going through their darkest day and in a crisis and sometimes we don't always have someone to turn to and Lifeline is always there for that," MacDonald said.
"I think especially in the current circumstances we all find ourselves in it's more important than ever to look after our mental health.
Especially in the current circumstances we all find ourselves in it's more important than ever to look after our mental health. It's something that can be a bit taboo at times but the more we can start having those conversations the better.
- Blake MacDonald
"It's something that can be a bit taboo at times but the more we can start having those conversations, which is definitely starting to take place I think, the better."
As of Tuesday afternoon MacDonald had already raised $5754 - more than half of his $10,000 goal.
Those wishing to donate to MacDonald's cause should head to www.everydayhero.com
MacDonald played for Western District last season, and spent the 2017 summer as a rookie listed player with the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash.
