Perth woman Brooke McIntosh is attempting her biggest feat yet — a record-breaking run around Australia to raise $1.4 million for mental health charities.

The 28-year-old said goodbye to friends and family in City Beach as she prepared to embark on a 14,080km route around the nation, which is estimated to take 180 days. McIntosh will run an average of 80km per day.

McIntosh’s running and fundraising journey began after she struggled with suicide idealisation and survived two major car crashes.

She transformed her pain into purpose by running 1600km from the Pilbara to Perth in 2023 to raise $75,000 for The Blue Tree Project and 20Talk.

“My purpose is to help people unlearn their limits and relearn their potential,” Ms McIntosh said.

“When I had my road accident, my life flashed before my eyes and something changed in me. I realised I had the power within to achieve anything I set my mind to and make a major impact before it’s my time to go.

“There’s nothing supernatural about me – I am just a chick giving it a crack. And I hope I can show others just what they are capable of, too.”

McIntosh has extended her reach to launch a podcast, Limitless with Brooke McIntosh, where she speaks about cultivating resilience and a strong mindset.

She has also been the subject of a documentary, Impact to Ignite, which was recently a highlight feature of the Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour.

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