Star 104.5’s Matty’s amazing run for men’s mental health

Co-host of Star 104.5’s Gina and Matty Breakfast show, Matty Baseley, recently completed an extraordinary 30km run while broadcasting live on air, raising an incredible $18,000 for men’s health charity Movember.

Choosing to run 30km to symbolise the 30 per cent rise in male suicide over the past decade, Baseley’s effort has not only exceeded fundraising goals but also sparked vital conversations about men’s mental health on the Central Coast.

The run capped off a month-long campaign involving the entire Star 104.5 team, who grew moustaches, set fitness goals and led individual fundraising efforts.

Local businesses and Coasties united to make a difference, with businesses like Erina Fair contributing a $1,000 shopping spree, Choices Flooring Erina donating $500, and Café 2261 raising funds with free coffees and a $250 donation, among other generous givers.

Exciting prizes, including a three-night stay at Sea World Resort, further incentivised donations and helped raise $10,000 even before Baseley’s run began.

After completing the run, Baseley reflected on the achievement and the cause at the heart of his motivation.

“It was a huge challenge, but it’s nothing compared to what some men are battling at the moment,” he said.

“The Central Coast has amazed me with their generosity, and to raise over $18,000 for this very important charity is just amazing.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished together.”

The month was more than just raising money; it also created a platform for meaningful conversations about men’s mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Throughout the campaign, Gina and Matty spoke with local advocates and community members including local real estate agent and host of the Chasing Optimism podcast, Mat Steinweide, who lost his son to suicide.

The team highlighted the importance of fostering open dialogue and providing support for those who need it and shared tangible support options that those struggling can access.

Gina Jeffreys, Baseley’s cohost on Gina and Matty, reflected on the impact of the campaign.

“I always knew about Movember but never really understood what it was all about until now,” she said.

“As a mother of a young boy, it’s incredible to see the impact that having these conversations can have, and Matt is such a champion for the work he’s done for this cause.”

Star 104.5’s Movember journey might have come to a close with Baseley’s run, but the conversation continues as Star 104.5 continues to support local initiatives and charities that matter most to the local community.