Will Hayes adds purpose to his running. Photo: Supplied.
On the surface, Will Hayes is pretty much like many 22-year-olds in Canberra: a hard worker with plenty of mates and an extremely supportive family base.
A few weeks ago, former Marist College student Will stepped above the pack with a remarkable run to raise funds and awareness for testicular cancer.
Will Hayes during his 100-kilometre run through Canberra. Photo: Supplied.
The 100-kilometre run through Canberra was extraordinary in itself, but the fact that he had only been training for five months pushed it into the stratosphere.
“I really only started running this year,” he said.
“I had been playing footy for Royals until this season but took the season off to train for this 100-kilometre run.”
The motivation was his cousin, Brad Hyland, who showed such strength of character when diagnosed with testicular cancer seven years ago.
Will Hayes with his dad, Rodney, following his 100-kilometre charity run. Photo: Supplied.
“It was a tough time for our family and friends, but Brad was a true warrior throughout the whole process of battling the disease. He beat cancer and is now six years clear, and he’s never looked better.”
Will Hayes with James Butzy celebrating at the RUC, Turner. Photo: Supplied.
In his pre-run message to potential donors, Will also said that Brad showed what real toughness looks like.
“Brad’s brother Sam Hyland ran with me for the first 20 ks, then rode 45 ks, while another mate, James, ran 50 k with me.”
There was also plenty of support on the day as friends and family lined the lake, with the run fittingly finishing at the RUC in Turner.
Supporters of Will Hayes gather to celebrate the completion of his charity run at the RUC, Turner. Photo: Supplied.
“It’s amazing how many people turned out to support me. It was important to have people there who are a key part of my life. My schoolmates were there. It was great.”
Will greeted by Miranda James after finishing his charity run. Photo: Supplied.
Among those providing support was one of his mates from school Liam Bowron who inspired many in Canberra a couple of weeks ago after he was called up from club football to play with the Brumbies after injuries crippled the Brumbies hooking ranks. And he’s just one of Will’s mates who helped him reach his goal.
Ultimately, Will crossed the finish line, having raised over $11,000, but this accomplishment has encouraged him to keep raising funds for charity and venture into other challenges.
“I’d like to eventually try an Iron Man, the City to Surf, or a marathon,” said Will.
He clearly has the running bug and is keen to use it to benefit others. And for me, that pushes him above the pack as someone who is motivated to help where he can and, at the same time, bring family and friends along for the ride.
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