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Fourteen-year-old walks from border to Benalla to raise funds for Fred Hollows Foundation
When 14-year-old Pippa Rotherham found out there were people in the world who were unnecessarily blind, and could be helped to see, she decided to do what she could to assist.
After discovering the Fred Hollows Foundation, and its ‘Big Run’ initiative, she signed up immediately.
She set off from her school, Catholic College Wodonga, on Sunday, August 4 and made it to FCJ College, Benalla, on Friday, August 9.
“I walked mostly along the rail trail, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail,” Pippa said.
She covered a distance of about 152km, averaging 20km-25km per day.
Pippa became interested in the work of the Fred Hollows Foundation, who work to cure avoidable blindness, as she is in the Hollows Community at her school.
Its motto is ‘A Vision for Everyone’. Pippa’s aim was to raise $1000 for the foundation but has more than doubled that amount and donations will be accepted until the end of August.
“My grandfather was an optometrist, and he greatly admired Fred Hollows and his work to cure unnecessary blindness.
“So when I went to Catholic College I was really enthusiastic to be in the Hollows Community.
“This year through my school I became aware of Fred’s Big Run and decided to challenge myself with a long walk to raise money and awareness to support Fred’s legacy.”
Pippa said she has been blown away by all the support she has received, particularly from her friends, family and the school community.
“Some people have donated money, others have sent me heart-warming and encouraging messages of support along the way.
“I think this support is because the Fred Hollows Foundation is so well regarded.
“I was speechless when I reached my initial goal of $1000, but I was overwhelmed that I doubled that amount during my walk.
“I really can’t believe it. It’s amazing that this money can be used to restore the sight of up to 80 people.
“I’ve really loved the challenge of this long walk and pushing myself physically and mentally.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the back-up support of my family and the encouragement of my school.”
Pippa said while she had enjoyed the walk, she would be driven back to Wodonga in comfort.
“I really have enjoyed it,” she said.
“I would love to do something like this again, maybe in the future. But yeah, it was an amazing journey.”
You can donate to Pipp’s fundraiser for the Fred Hollows Foundation via www.fredsbigrun.org/fundraisers/pipparotherham33759/freds-big-run-2024/