For
Peter Wilson, making a difference in his community runs in his blood. His dad,
Eddie
has been a volunteer at the Hospital for many years so when Peter discovered a passion for
running he wanted to put his efforts to a good cause and raise funds for the Hospital.
Pete’s first challenge in 2006 saw him run across the
Gobi Desert in China over the
course of a week –
raising $60,000 for the Emergency Department. After this incredible
achievement, Pete was hooked.
In 2007, he embarked on the
'Trifecta of Hope' – three races in the space of seven
weeks including a race across the Atacama Desert in Chile. Again, Pete gained the support of
sponsors Powerade, the Australian Jockey Club, N.G Farah and many of his friends and family
to raise over
$103,000.
2009 saw Pete compete in the
'Polar Double' – two footraces across the harsh terrain of
the Antarctic and the Northwest Canadian Territories. Peter has battled through deserts, snow
and ice to raise funds for the Hospital. When he’s back home he doesn’t stop - he’s working on
new ways to fundraise and motivate others to help the Hospital, including helping to organise
the annual Comedy for Kids event which this year, raised
$53,400.
Pete’s fundraising efforts have raised over
$312,000 in total. This has supported an
Emergency Fellowship position since 2007 and funded the purchase of
vital equipment in
the busy department.
In 2010, it’s
Australia’s turn to decide which grueling international footrace he will put
his heart and soul into next …