Mother Runs Sydney Marathon to Honor Father Lost to Suicide

Natasha Littler will run the 42.2-kilometer Sydney Marathon this weekend, dedicating the race to the memory of her father, Garry Rae, who died by suicide when she was just seven years old. This race holds particular significance for Littler, despite her having completed six marathons previously.

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It's very hard to remember, but I remember that he was a smart man. He loved playing the good old Minesweeper [video game]. He worked in tech and IT.

Littler remembers her father as a smart man who worked in tech and IT. She reflects on the difficulties of her parents' divorce when she was three and believes her father's struggles intensified later in life. "Life just gets dark," she shared, recalling the period before his death.

Her father's service in the Royal Australian Air Force also took a toll on his mental health. Now, nearly three decades later, Littler, an Adelaide-based nurse who works with mentally unwell patients, is channeling her energy into raising funds for Beyond Blue and promoting mental health awareness. "I feel like it's because I can help people, which is also going hand-in-hand with running for the charity," she said.

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He remarried, but I don't think it was ever the same and then it was just too much, I think. Life just gets dark.

Littler emphasizes the need for greater promotion of mental health support services for men and encourages them to speak openly about their struggles. She notes a shift from the past, where silence was often expected, to a present where conversations about mental health are becoming more common, though she hopes for continued positive change.

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I've always known I wanted to be a nurse and I feel like it's because I can help people, which is also going hand-in-hand with running for the charity.

The Sydney Marathon is expected to draw over 40,000 runners and elite wheelchair athletes from 140 countries. Littler hopes her three children will watch the livestream and be inspired by her efforts, continuing a tradition of family participation in running.

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Back in those days, people were just staying silent, encouraged to stay silent.