This September, professional athlete Fran Hurndall will run 3,800km from Perth to Sydney in 34 days to raise $1 million for domestic and family violence organisation, RizeUp Australia, as well as Share the Dignity.

 

During her running campaign, Reach Out, Speak Up, Fran hopes to break a new world record by covering 110km a day and becoming the first woman in history to attempt the feat.

Kicking off in Esplanade Park in Fremantle on the 20th of September, Fran’s route will take her through Western Australia, South Australia, and NSW, finishing in Sydney 34 days later.

 

Fran Hurndall plans to run from Perth to Sydney, raising money and awareness for domestic and family violence services

Domestic & Family Violence in Australia

‘The project is about reaching out and speaking up, and raising more awareness for family and domestic violence’, Fran says.

The impact of domestic violence and violence against women in Australia is an epidemic. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, every two minutes in Australia, a woman reports an incident of domestic and family violence. This typically involves two people and can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, or coercive control.

Fran’s reason for this campaign is deeply personal.

‘I’m running for my sister. I’m running for my beautiful partner Natalie who works as a Forensic Police Officer for Queensland Police. She sees first-hand what an impact family and domestic violence is having on this beautiful country’, Fran says.

Fran wants Reach Out, Speak Up to become a beacon of hope and advocacy.

‘I’m hoping that you’ll run the distance and break the silence with me. And let’s say no to domestic violence’, she says.

 

Fran hopes to inspire future generations of athletes to strive for greatness

Who is Fran Hurndall?

UK-born Fran Hurdall is a retired professional soccer player who uses her athleticism to inspire others into action and believe in the power of their voice. Through her sporting achievements, Fran hopes to inspire future generations of athletes to strive for greatness.

‘You can’t be what you can’t see’, she says.

Reach Out, Speak Up isn’t Fran’s first attempt at breaking a world record. In 2023 she set a Guinness World Record on her Chick with a Ball campaign, in which she dribbled a soccer ball 1000km over 34 days, from the Gold Coast to Sydney to raise money for Women Sport Australia during the FIFA Women’s World Cup – and she didn’t trip over, not even once.

 

Fran Hurndall dribbled a soccer ball from the Gold Coast to Sydney for her Chick with a Ball campaign

What is RizeUp Australia?

RizeUp Australia works in partnership with domestic violence agencies to enhance the service options they provide. The programs offer support and empower the brave families they assist by creating new homes for victims fleeing violent households, supporting children, and raising money for families left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Fran will also be raising money for Share the Dignity, which aims to reduce period poverty by providing period products to people in need.

How you can help Reach Out, Speak Up

Fran is actively looking for support to achieve her dream of breaking a world record and raising $1 million.

Whether through a donation or offering to sponsor the campaign, check out her website for contact details and more information on how you can help.

Donate Now

 

Images thanks to Fran Hurndall 

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