Karratha medical student Ethan Stirrat takes on grueling month-long challenge to support self-founded charity

In a heartwarming demonstration of determination and compassion, Karratha medical student Ethan Stirrat is embarking on an extraordinary physical challenge throughout the month of October to raise funds for the charity he founded, Hurt to Help. Mr Stirrat has aptly named his demanding challenge “Stoictober.” With this endeavour, he seeks to highlight the Stoic fitness principles of hard work, resilience, progress, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. His mission includes running 500km, performing 12,000 push-ups, 12,000 sit-ups, and 6000 pull-ups over the course of the month. What makes this story even more inspiring is Mr Stirrat’s creation of Hurt to Help. The charity, created earlier this year, aims to provide financial assistance to individuals and families who have faced unjust and harmful circumstances. These circumstances range from the need to travel or relocate to seek medical treatment to coping with medical conditions, accidents, domestic violence, and the aftermath of natural disasters. Mr Stirrat has been a valuable presence in Karratha since January of this year, where he has been actively involved in the health campus. As a student, he has worked in various specialties, including emergency, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. His role has allowed him to closely collaborate with experienced doctors, learning from them and lending a helping hand to patients whenever possible. Additionally, he has dedicated several weeks to working in Onslow and Roebourne, focusing on Indigenous health. Reflecting on his experience in Karratha, Mr Stirrat expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to work with the remarkable doctors at the health campus. He cited the valuable lessons he had learned and the rich experience he had gained during his time in the region. Mr Stirrat’s journey into ultramarathon running garnered attention, with people often approaching him to express their admiration for his feats. It was these encounters that inspired him to use his newfound recognition to make a positive impact. Mr. Stirrat observed that while many charities raised substantial amounts of money, the actual recipients of these funds often remained hidden from view. “A major pillar of the charity is that we want to connect donors with the recipients, and we want to make sure that 100 per cent of community donations go to the recipients,” he said. “The donors know that 100 per cent of their money is going to those in need and not getting tied up in administration.” Mr Stirrat, who hails from Muntadgin, shared that he has witnessed many young individuals in his community endure tragic accidents that have cost lives and brought suffering to families. It was this firsthand experience that fueled his desire to give back to the community and provide assistance to those in need.