Making a fuss to remember Russ

Five Moreton Bay police stations are on the route of a 550km ultra-marathon aiming to make “A Fuss About Russ”.

The Blue HOPE Ultra will honour the memory of Sunshine Coast Detective Senior Constable Russell Sheehan who died by suicide 2015, aged 53.

He left wife Kathy, four daughters and a 33-year career in which he was one of the first responders to the Childers' backpackers hostel fire in 2000.

Former colleague Jess Miller now aims to raise $50,000 for police mental health support service Blue HOPE, by running from Woodgate to Brisbane.

Mrs Miller’s eight-day journey will have stops at 15 police stations including Caboolture, Burpengary, Deception Bay, Redcliffe and Albany Creek.

She starts on September 22 and will finish at the Brisbane Police Remembrance Day service on National Police Remembrance Day, September 29.

“You couldn’t meet more genuine people than Kath and Russ,” Mrs Miller said.

“Russ always had a smile and a friendly word for you. He was a genuine, kind, beautiful man. The world is a poorer place for missing Russ.

“With the 10-year anniversary of his passing approaching, I wanted to do something to show his family Russ is not forgotten and honour his legacy by helping others who may be struggling.”

A mother of four and ultra-marathon runner, Mrs Miller has been training and planning the 550km journey since January.

“This run isn’t just about the distance — it’s about honouring Russ and every officer who’s struggled in silence,” she said.

“The police station visits are an important part of the run. They’re about connection, showing officers they are not alone and their wellbeing matters to the community.”

Russell’s widow Kathy said: “Time hasn’t completely healed the wounds. There are still moments that feel raw.

"The first anniversary of Russell’s death was marked by a ride from Woodgate, so Jess’s run in his memory will be significant.

“I’m not a runner, but our family will be doing everything we can to support Jess and this extremely worthy cause.

“Raising awareness is essential - conversations about mental health need to remain front and centre. We must not become complacent.”

Founded and operated by police, Blue HOPE has supported more than 1500 officers nationwide through volunteer staff and donated funds.

The organisation was one of the first to reach out to Mrs Sheehan following her husband’s death.

“Police agencies across Australia have internal mental health programs,” Detective Sergeant Andrew Ayres, founding director of Blue HOPE and a 30-year police veteran, said.

“But there’s still a reluctance among many officers to seek support through those channels. That’s where Blue HOPE comes in. Our conversations are informal and confidential.

“I’m extremely grateful when officers who are struggling come forward and talk with us because the more people we can get discussing what’s troubling them, the more likely we can direct them to potentially life-saving support.”

More information: https://bluehope.raiselysite.com