Sydney Harbour Hike raises over $257,000 to restore sight

On a Sunday in October, Sydney’s iconic coastline was the setting for an inspiring event—the Sydney Harbour Hike. With more than 600 walkers and runners coming together, the event raised a remarkable $257,557 to help end avoidable blindness. Participants of all ages and backgrounds set out on the scenic 34-kilometer trek from Bondi Beach to the Harbour Bridge, driven by a common goal: to support The Fred Hollows Foundation in its mission to end avoidable blindness. 

Gabi Hollows AO, Founding Director of The Foundation, was a constant presence at the checkpoints, cheering on participants and offering encouragement at the finish line. Reflecting on the event, Gabi said, "seeing so many people come together to help others see is incredible. Fred always believed that we could change the world by restoring sight, and events like these show that his vision lives on through all of you." 

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia

Among the participants was Ian Dance, an 84-year-old Sydney resident, who completed the hike in memory of his late sister, Margaret, a former patient and student of Fred Hollows. Ian, who lost much of his own vision due to sleep apnea-related optic nerve damage, was inspired to walk for those impacted by vision loss. “She'd be glad to see that a lot of the eye problems that she had are no longer bothering other people," Ian says of Margaret. 

Ian tackled the 34 kilometers with his son and daughter-in-law by his side, crossing the finish line in eight hours, cheered on by friends, family, and the community. With an impressive fundraising total of over $7,500, Ian is already looking forward to next year’s hike. "Never give up is my motto!” he declared. 

Also in attendance was Channel Nine journalist, author and Sydney Harbour Hike ambassador, Marlee Silva, who took part alongside her father, former NRL player Rod Silva.  

Marlee is particularly connected to the Foundation through her friend and world-trekker, Alexander Campbell:  “A dear friend of mine, Alexander Campbell, is currently walking around the world raising funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation. I walked with him this time last year through Singapore and Malaysia. We were sitting in a back alley in Malaysia somewhere and a man came and sat with us at dinner because he saw Zen's Fred Hollows shirt and he wanted to talk to him about how inspiring the work that that foundation does. It really instilled in me how impactful The Fred Hollows Foundation is all around the world,” Marlee said on the day. 

Photo credit: Esther Au

The first participant to cross the finish line was Steve Johnston, completing the challenging 34-kilometer route in just 3 hours and 39 minutes. Other notable participants included Ben Phillips, a three-time hiker and lifelong supporter of The Foundation, who received early eye health treatment from Professor Fred Hollows. 

The event’s top fundraiser, Peter Lees, raised a remarkable $10,511. Team Globetrotters, led by corporate sponsor Clayton Utz, took the top team spot with an impressive $16,518 in contributions. Corporate teams also played a vital role in the event’s success, with the APA Group’s 24-member team raising $10,820, making them the second-highest fundraising team. Thanks are also due to the event sponsors, including Specsavers, JB HiFi, Hoyts, and numerous local businesses that provided prizes and refreshments. 

Congratulations to all the participants, donors, and volunteers who made the Sydney Harbour Hike a memorable and impactful day. Together, we are keeping Fred Hollows’ vision alive by giving the gift of sight to those who need it most.