Ethan’s Sunflower Run
Ethan’s Sunflower Run — In Loving Memory of Ethan
This year, my world changed forever. In February, We lost Ethan to an unimaginable tragedy. His passing has left a space no words can truly fill, and the grief is something I carry every day.
But in the midst of this heartbreak, I also carry Ethan’s light.
To know Ethan was to know warmth, laughter, and boundless energy. He radiated kindness, and his presence made everything feel brighter just like a sunflower turning toward the sun. Since his passing, sunflowers have become a powerful symbol of his spirit strong, golden, and full of life. They remind us of the love he gave so freely and the joy he brought into every space he entered.
Ethan loved to move whether it was running, walking, or just being outdoors, he found joy in using his body and staying active. It was part of how he showed up in the world, fully, vibrantly, and with purpose. So, to honour him, I’ve created Ethan’s Sunflower Run a 5km walk/run that brings together friends, family, and anyone touched by his story. It’s a space for us to gather, move our bodies the way Ethan loved to, and celebrate the beautiful soul he was and always will be.
But this run is about more than remembrance. It’s about action.
Mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 Australians every year, and far too many lives like our beloved Ethan’s are lost to suicide. The ripple effects of that loss are deep and lasting, touching families, friends, and entire communities.
That’s why I’m lacing up my shoes not just for Ethan, but for everyone who’s struggling in silence. Through Ethan’s Sunflower Run, I’m raising funds for the Black Dog Institute, a leading organisation dedicated to mental health research, education, and support services.
I do this in Ethan’s memory, with all the love in my heart. I do it to honour the way he lived, and to help others find the light when theirs begins to dim. My hope is that, together, we can start conversations, reduce stigma, and offer real, lasting hope to those who need it most.
If Ethan taught me anything, it’s that even the smallest acts of kindness can mean everything. So please, walk or run with us. Donate if you can. Share the message. Be the light for someone who needs it.
Let’s run for Ethan. Let’s run for hope. Let’s run to make a difference.
