Donna steps up to restore sight

TORQUAY’S Donna Symes has helped restore sight to 231 people through her fundraising efforts with the Fred Hollows Foundation’s Big Run over the last month.

Initially setting herself a target of raising $250 in donations by walking 150 kilometres during August, Ms Symes clocked up 250kms and $6,290 over the month.

“All I was thinking was if I can make $250 I’ll get the Fred Hollows t-shirt, but as things progressed it snowballed, I got in touch with people from childhood, it was a great way to re-connect with people over a good cause,” she said.

Days out from the technical end date of August 31, Ms Symes said she was satisfied with her efforts and called time.

“I think I’ll call that a day now… I have raised a lot of money,” she said on Monday.

Ms Symes has taken part in various charity fundraisers over the years, but this is the first time she’s helped raise money for the Fred Hollows Foundation that in the more than 30 years of operating has helped restore sight to around three million needlessly blind people in Australia and overseas, helping restore sight for as little as $25.

“I like different challenges, it’s what keeps me going,” she said, hinting a future return to the challenge could be on the cards.

“But I wouldn’t go as hard with fundraising.”