Alison Stephens is gearing up to run 250km over 6 days this June. The race, which will take place in the heart of the Australian Outback the Simpson Desert, is known as the Big Red Run and Alison is running it for a big reason. This year Alison’s nephew was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and she is aware of families in the Central West having happy, healthy children one day and a life long illness the next with very little warning. She is no stranger to running, competing in the Big Coast Run in October at Botany Bay and winning the 30k race in an amazing time of 2 hours 37 minutes. “From those events, I am now embarking on …a run with a purpose, not of winning but of finishing and experiencing what it is like to not be living life in my comfort zone. I am sure my expectations will be blown away” says Alison. She hopes to raise $3000 for the cause. Alison has paid for the event herself and believes that commitment to training and the pain she’ll endure is nothing compared to the inconvenience of being diagnosed with a lifelong illness. Alison says “I first came across the Big Red Run in early 2014 when I had a desire to run in the Australian outback but was put off at the thought of raising for a cause I had no connection with. After Lachie (nephew) was diagnosed, my husband said to me casually ‘I guess the run is back on’ I knew instantly I had his support.” If you are a local family and believe in this great cause or have a family member living with Type 1 Diabetes, please contact Alison to show your support and she can think of you along the way on 0408876930 or email aliso.tom@vinesight.com.au. Donations can be made at – https://bigredrun.everydayhero.com/au/alison We wish Alison the best of luck