Team Trevena: Stuart Trevena (centre) with, from left, his daughter Aalyah Trevena, 2½, wife Hayley Trevena, son Bailey Trevena, 4½, mum Maureen Trevena and dad Glen Trevena.
Photo by
Caleb Francis
In the early morning of Thursday, October 19, Stuart Trevena set out from his home in Kyabram on a mission far greater than just a test of endurance.
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He ran all the way to his workplace at Dowell Windows on Benalla Rd, Shepparton, covering a distance of 52km, all to raise awareness for autism, a cause close to his heart as his son Bailey is on the autism spectrum.
His parents, Glen and Maureen Trevena, followed him in their car throughout the journey.
Rally of support: Stuart Trevena (centre) with his colleagues (from left) Tom Rennie, Andrew Gibb, and Elio Quattrocchi.
Photo by
Caleb Francis
Unwavering support: Stuart Trevena’s parents, Glen and Maureen Trevena, followed him in their car as he ran from Kyabram to Shepparton.
Photo by
Caleb Francis
Stuart began his ambitious run at about 8.50am, reaching his destination around 1pm.
“My eldest child, Bailey’s, got autism,” Stuart said.
“We found out he has autism about three years ago, and this is my third year doing the run for autism.
“They usually just do it for a week, but this year, they’re doing it for a full month of October, so I thought I’d do a big run for it.
“This is the biggest run I’ve ever done.”
Stuart set a goal to running 200km during October.
All done: Stuart Trevena's car miscalculated his run from Kyabram to Shepparton, underestimating the distance by 6km.
Photo by
Caleb Francis
He managed to raise $1600 through the run for the cause, a welcome addition to the more than $3000 raised during the football and netball season by selling beanies and other items, such as jumpers.
“Whatever money we’re making now, it’s just a little bonus. The money goes to Autism Spectrum Australia,” he said.
A race with a cause: Stuart Trevena’s colleagues at Dowell Windows cheering him on as he enters the car park.
Photo by
Caleb Francis
Stuart emphasised the significant role of organisations like Run for Autism in spreading awareness and understanding.
“Considering we didn’t know anything about autism three years ago, we try everything we can to raise awareness. Not just for Bailey but for kids like Bailey,” he said.
Despite the physical toll, the support from his parents kept him going.
“My legs are absolutely buggered,” he said.
“There were a few moments where I wanted to give up, but Mum and Dad obviously pushed me through, and I had people here that I had a group Snapchat with to keep them updated with where I was.”
Stuart’s workplace, Dowell Windows, organised a barbecue in his honour on the day, with all the proceeds being directed towards his son’s cause.
“I just want to thank everyone that’s been involved. Especially Mum and Dad for following me all the way,” he said.
Glen said when Stuart turns his mind to something, he does it.
“I followed him all the way from Kyabram in the car,” Glen said.
“It was 52 (kilometres) that he ran, which was different to the 42 (kilometres) that his car calculated,” Glen said.
“It was about four-and-a-half hours, and he just kept going the whole way.
“He walked a little bit when we got to Shepp, but he ran 99 per cent of the way. It was an amazing effort.”
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