By Max Davies
Kyle Gemmill’s week-long RUN4KB concluded in Melbourne’s CBD last week, raising more than $100,000 for cancer research.
The run was organised by Mr Gemmill in memory of close friend and colleague Brendon Warburton, known as KB, who died late last year after a seven-month battle with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of cancer.
RUN4KB began in Nathalia on November 3 with Mr Gemmill running 441 kilometres through Shepparton, Yarrawonga, and Wangaratta before finishing at Melbourne’s Victoria Police Centre on Friday.
Mr Gemmill made a brief stop at Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School in Wallan to much fanfare, visiting his two daughters before continuing to Kalkallo for an overnight stop.
Wallan Fire Brigade welcomed Mr Gemmill to the school with a water arch, and were also joined by Kilmore police officers, along with hundreds of students.
On Wednesday, Mr Gemmill said the run had not been easy but was proud to be on the journey.
“It’s been tough, definitely the last five days have been tough with pretty warm weather along the way,” he said.
“It’s been 28 or 29 degrees and a few injuries, just little niggles that we’re keeping on top of but it’s been a great journey.”
RUN4KB operated in conjunction with Camp4Cancer, a charity founded by fellow Hidden Valley resident Ben Roarty, and last week surpassed the goal of raising $100,000 for Ewing Sarcoma research with the Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association, ANZSA.
“It’s been absolutely sensational, the last couple of days have been running down the Hume and even just the toots and the beeps from cars and trucks and all that has been sensational,” Mr Gemmill said.
“The support that we’ve been getting along the way has been absolutely incredible – more than what I could ever have asked for.”
Mr Gemmill told the Review in May that he wanted to honour KB’s memory, describing him as a ‘no frills individual’ who was ‘tough as nails’.
The pair met 12 years ago while working with the police force and bonded over a shared interest in defensive tactics, with KB known among those close to him for his generosity and selflessness in everyday life.
Mr Gemmill trained for the run for about seven months, mirroring the timeframe between KB’s diagnosis and his passing.
“It’s been an amazing journey, my support crew has been absolutely unbelievable and I couldn’t have done it without them,” Mr Gemmill said.
For more information, visit www.run4kb.com.
