A man who ran over 1,000 kilometers through the Australian outback to raise funds and awareness for Angelman syndrome completed his journey despite suffering a fractured hip. Mitch McKenny, 34, spent four weeks running along the highway from Broken Hill to Newcastle, motivated by the diagnosis of his friend’s child, Huxley Maguire, who was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder at four months old.

Angelman syndrome affects the brain's nerve function, leading to various physical and intellectual challenges. About 715 kilometers into his run, near Narromine, McKenny began experiencing hip pain after averaging eight hours of running daily for two weeks. Initially, he believed it was a muscle strain and decided to ease up during a 40-kilometer stretch between Narromine and Dubbo. "[I was] under the impression at that stage that it was some kind of muscular injury or ligament injury," he said.

As he approached Dubbo, he was greeted by a cheering crowd, including seven-year-old Ted Johnson, who also has Angelman syndrome. However, Huxley’s family, who had been following McKenny, noticed he was in pain. "He was in pain. That was evident," said Jess Maguire, Huxley’s mother. "But we nowhere near thought that the extent would be a break in the hip."

After urging him to visit Dubbo Hospital, doctors conducted a thorough examination and advised McKenny to stop running to avoid further injury. Despite their warnings, he continued his journey, completing the final 380 kilometers even as his pain intensified. He arrived in Newcastle on September 19, celebrated by supporters, but later discovered he had a neck femur fracture in his right hip.

McKenny's efforts raised over $160,000 for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics Australia (FAST). Nearly a month later, he remains on crutches and will be for the next six weeks. Following X-rays and MRIs, it was confirmed he had sustained a stress fracture during his run, although he is uncertain of the exact location. His doctor in Broken Hill arranged for surgery in Adelaide, where he received a plate and pins in his hip.

Reflecting on his experience, McKenny acknowledged the pain but emphasized his determination to finish. "I think your mind has a way of blocking out those kinds of memories on the pain and that kind of stuff," he said. "I'm happy and proud that we achieved that feat for Huxley, but no plans to do it again."

He suspects the road's curve contributed to his injury, as he ran on the right side for safety, which unevenly distributed the force on his legs. While he cannot run for now, McKenny is not disheartened. Huxley’s mothers, Bree and Jess Maguire, expressed their pride in his efforts. "It just goes to show again the drive and determination that he had to complete the run," Jess Maguire said. "It's just incredible what he's done. You can't put it into words."

For the time being, McKenny is resting and looks forward to walking without crutches in six weeks.