Marathons for Charity

Ms THOMPSON (Davenport) (15:18): Today, I rise to tell an extraordinary story of a truly legendary local from Flagstaff Hill: Asa Cowell. Asa's story is not just about running, it's about resilience, determination and a passion for helping others. While many might celebrate their 50^th birthday with a party, a holiday or perhaps a shiny new toy, Asa has chosen to mark his milestone in a way few would dare to imagine: running 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days to raise at least $50,000 for charity. Let that sink in: 50 marathons in 50 days!

Starting last weekend, Asa laced up his running shoes and embarked on what can only be described as a Herculean challenge. He is planning to run over 2,100 kilometres while juggling a full-time job and life as a father to two teenagers. Each day, he will begin his journey at 4am, ensuring he finishes in time to be at work by 9am. It is a routine of eat, run, eat, work, eat, sleep, and repeat for seven relentless weeks.

This is not Asa's first feat of endurance. A veteran of more than 40 marathons and ultramarathons, Asa knows how to push himself to the absolute limit. But this challenge is different. This time, Asa is not just running for the thrill; he is running to raise money and awareness for Catherine House—a South Australian organisation that provides crisis accommodation and support for women experiencing homelessness, many of whom are survivors of domestic violence.

The inspiration for Asa's cause came from a fellow runner: a mother, grandmother and survivor of domestic violence. Her story of resilience touched Asa deeply and motivated him to take action. He also participated in the Run Against Violence challenge in 2023 and 2024, where he learned about the devastating ripple effects of domestic and family violence—the way it increases the risks of poverty, homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges.

Asa, who himself grew up in a boarding school system where institutional violence was prevalent, knows the lasting scars that it can leave behind, and he is determined to use this challenge to raise awareness and funds for Catherine House so that they can continue their vital work. Every $152 raised during Asa's challenge will fund a night of accommodation and support services for a woman experiencing homelessness. These funds will help women escape dangerous situations and it will help them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Asa's goal is to raise $50,000, enough to provide hundreds of nights of safety and support for those in need.

Asa is not doing this alone. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays he is inviting fellow runners to join him for parts of his marathons. It is a reminder that we are all stronger when we come together. The wonderful Minister Katrine Hildyard and I will be joining Asa for a run at the Happy Valley Reservoir on 8 December with that invitation open to everyone. So I encourage you all. Support Asa's remarkable journey. Visit his 50in50 Facebook page to follow his progress, donate to Catherine House and, if you are a runner or even a walker, join him on a leg of this incredible challenge.

Asa Cowell's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit, the importance of community, and the difference that one person can make when they put their heart and soul into a cause. So let's get behind this extraordinary man and help him make his 50^th birthday one that changes lives.

With the brief time I have left I would just like to congratulate the 2024 year 12 graduates right across our state, but particularly those in my community at Aberfoyle Park High School, Seaview High School, the Australian Maths and Science School, One School Global and IQRA College. They have all done an incredible job. Completing year 12 is a remarkable achievement and I hope that, now that exams and study are behind them, they can look forward to a well-deserved summer of relaxation and fun while they consider their exciting adventures ahead.