"I don't use the word 'legend' very often but this team are all 'legends' in the true sense of the word. So proud of each and everyone of you. We're life-long friends now," organiser Danny Doolan said.

It was a marathon effort again by our community too, who rallied around the team to donate well over this year's anticipated total of $20K for the RUOK? organisation.

That amount was tipped over by a very generous donation from the Nambucca Bowling Club at the eleventh hour. Other locals were even donating throughout the course of the City2Surf weekend.

The official grand total was $23,279 and five cents and the organisers were stoked with the result.

"Raising awareness means so much more though, and I think we have done just that," organiser Gemma Rostrom said.

They certainly have. Last month dozens of junior and senior sporting clubs participated in a weekend of funds-and-awareness-raising.

"I think everyone has talked about it. I've had clubs contacting me to ask about next year's campaign," organiser Elisse Pope said.

And their fundraiser at the Bowra Hotel welcomed more than a few local families who have been been dealt a tough blow by suicide and mental illness.

What's more, the Valley's awareness-raising efforts - especially the grassroots movement through our sports clubs - has again attracted the attention of the RUOK? head office.

"They've really recognised the region, and said it was 'really cool' to have such a huge community group behind the cause," Elisse said.

They plan on featuring our Valley's efforts on their blog and social media and have also discussed the possibility of bringing the RUOK? caravan into the Valley next year.

Looking forward, ideas have been hatched about keeping next year's campaign strictly local; instead of a City2Surf run, we may be seeing a 'bush to beach' bash right here in our beautiful Valley.

So watch this space, and keep that conversation going.

RUOK Nambucca Valley? A big 2019 campaign planned

Nambucca Valley jumps into action for RUOK fundraiser