After years of fundraising, thousands of hours of training and a few minor setbacks, Dane Waites is about to embark on his Perth to Pambula adventure.

Dane has classic autism, and is clinically regarded as disabled. But he’s actually one of the most able-bodied athletes in our region. 

The 42-year-old has been running a marathon a day, six days a week, for more than a year in preparation for a journey that few would even contemplate.

On June 17, Dane will start his run from Perth to Pambula, a journey of almost 4000 kilometres. 

He will be running in memory of his loving father and hopes to help raise awareness about autism and mental health, while also generating funding for further research. 

It is expected to take Dane just over three months to complete the journey that will see him run over 100 marathons across four Australian states and three time zones.  

As a final fundraiser for Dane’s journey as well as a farewell, on Sunday, May 28, from 3pm, a sumptuous high tea will be held at Wheelers Restaurant in Pambula.

Geoff Willis will be playing requests on the piano, so it will be a beautiful afternoon for all. 

Bookings are essential and can be made by phone 6495 6330 or email info@wheelersoysters.com.au.

Meanwhile, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has sent a letter of thanks to Dane for choosing to support beyondblue with his run. 

While he will be running the 4000km to raise money for autism research and support, he has also chosen to raise money for beyondblue. 

Dane’s mother, Junee Waites, said most people think of Dane and identify the autism, but not many people know he has also struggled with his mental health. 

“He has been suicidal and his decision to raise money for beyondblue wasn’t just because he thought it was a nice thing to do, it’s a lived thing,” she said. 

Junee said Dane wants to show people struggling with depression and anxiety that it can get better and there is a lot of support out there. 

Earlier this month, Julia Gillard, the new director of beyondblue, wrote a letter to Dane, thanking him for his fundraising efforts and reiterating the important work beyondblue does every single day. 

“I wanted to thank you for choosing to fundraise for beyondblue by running from Perth to Pambula,” Ms Gillard wrote in the letter. 

“The challenge of running over 4000 kilometres across Australia is extraordinary. I am sure the training you have undertaken since representing Australia at the Dublin Special Olympics has prepared you well. 

“During 2015-16 over 161,000 Australians contacted the beyondblue support service, more than 700,000 visited our online peer support forums and there were over seven million visits to our websites. Many were seeking advice or information; others were in crisis; and many wanted to talk through their concerns – either with a mental health professional on our 24/7 Support Service or with someone who has been through a similar experience through our online forums. 

“Today, more than three million Australians are living with depression and or anxiety. Having free access to practical and professional support is vital to empowering people in their recovery. 

“Your contribution ensures beyondblue can continue to offer evidence based support and information to any person in Australia, at any age or stage and wherever they live. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, free help is available 

Lifeline: 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au​

beyondblue: 1300 22 4636, www.beyondblue.org.au