When Burt Kennedy's sister Katherine took her own life in October, he faced an impossible decision: cancel his upcoming mental health documentary screening or push forward with his advocacy work.
The Maitland man chose to honour his sister by proceeding with the November 29 event at Newcastle City Hall, demonstrating the very resilience he promotes through his mental health work.
A Personal Mission Turned Public
Kennedy had already planned to screen Running Through Darkness, a documentary detailing his own mental health struggles and the suicide of a close friend, when tragedy struck again.
His sister Katherine Kennedy, 37, died by suicide on October 18 in Bellingen, leaving behind two children aged nine and twelve, and a fiancé.
The documentary chronicles Kennedy's remarkable 265-kilometre run from Newcastle to Sydney in 2022, completed in record time during a period of deep personal struggle.
Finding Strength in Adversity
Kennedy revealed that a particular quote has sustained him through dark times: "One's strength isn't determined by the ability not to break, but the ability to keep going once broken."
"I feel like I need to practice what I preach," Kennedy told local media. "I know through past experiences, one of the best things to do is to keep going. If you don't, you end up digging yourself into a deeper hole. You have to continue to move forward."
The upcoming event will feature multiple speakers discussing mental health topics and raise crucial funds for the Black Dog Institute, a leading mental health research organisation.
Family Demons and Complex Relationships
Kennedy described growing up in the Upper Hunter as one of six children in a family that moved constantly and faced significant financial hardship.
"We grew up poor and had a tough upbringing," he said. "I've moved 21 times in my life. She moved more than me."
He remembered his sister as "kind and caring" but noted she "carried demons that weren't her own."
Katherine had struggled with mental health issues for years, and Kennedy acknowledged their relationship had become complicated.
"I hadn't seen my sister for years. That's what makes it hard," he said. "I wanted to be there to help her, but couldn't. It was complex. I didn't want to drown myself trying to save somebody else."
He explained that they shared similar struggles, making it difficult to maintain contact without triggering his own mental health challenges.
Lessons from the Long Run
Kennedy's epic run from Newcastle to Sydney provided powerful insights into managing mental health challenges.
"I never focused on Sydney, it was always the the next checkpoint," he recalled. "I realised we're so much more capable than we could ever perceive, even in a state of depression."
This philosophy now guides his approach to grief and advocacy work following his sister's death.
The mental health advocate described the sudden impact of loss as "almost impossible to comprehend if it's reality or not."
The November 29 event at Newcastle City Hall represents both a tribute to his sister and a continuation of his years-long mission to raise mental health awareness.
Kennedy's story underscores the importance of support services like Lifeline (13 11 14), Mensline (1300 789 978), Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) and beyondblue (1300 224 636) for those experiencing mental health crises.
