Star 104.5 Rallies Central Coast for Men’s Health
Co-host of Star 104.5’s Gina & Matty Breakfast show, Matty Baseley has completed an extraordinary 30km run while broadcasting live on air this morning, 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 last decade, Matt’s effort has not only exceeded fundraising goals but also sparked vital conversations about men’s mental health on the Central Coast.
After completing the run, Matty 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. 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 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 also 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, amongst other generous givers. Exciting prizes, including a three-night stay at Sea World Resort, further incentivised donations and helped raise $10,000 even before Matty’s run began.
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 & Matty have spoken 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, Matty’s cohost on Gina & Matty, reflected on the impact of the campaign, saying, “I always knew about Movember but never really understood what it was all about until now. 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 Matty’s run, but the conversation continues as Star 104.5 continues to support local initiatives and charities that matter most to the local community.
Gina & Matty can be heard from 5:30am to 9am on Star 104.5 on The Central Coast. Listeners can stream the show live or catch up with the daily podcast by downloading the Star 104.5 Player.