Telethon 2026 fundraising has passed $2 million through a wave of community challenges, school events and endurance feats supporting sick children across Western Australia.
More than 100,000 people gathered along Wellington Street and at RAC Arena during the 26-hour celebration, as local fundraisers from across the state presented donations and took part in the broadcast.
Australia’s backyard ultra-marathon champion Phil Gore led the community effort, raising $301,093.40. AFL great Kane Cornes also completed two marathons in five days, while a $500,000 corporate pledge from CommBank helped add $650,268 to his final total.
Western Australian schools rally for Telethon
Primary schools turned discos, pyjama days, doughnut sales and other activities into substantial donations. Mindarie Primary School raised $32,202, earning its pupils the chance to cover principal Barbara Bromley in eight buckets of green slime alongside Home and Away actor Rocco Forrester-Sach.
“Our goal was to raise enough funds to reach far and wide,” teacher Tania Vanderspuy said.
At North Woodvale Primary School, a 12-hour discothon brought in $20,521. Poynter Primary School in Duncraig raised $2,570 through pyjama days, crazy hair and doughnut sales.
Regional pupils travelled to Perth to support the appeal, with Yakamia Primary School in Albany presenting a cheque for $10,073 and Denmark Primary School donating $11,458 after making the five-hour journey.
Several schools raised money in honour of this year’s Little Telethon Stars. St Peter’s Primary School collected $10,667.95 for classmate Olivia Street, Settlers Primary School raised $3,058.10 for Paige, and Leda Primary School contributed $2,449 for Aiden Narsico.
Endurance challenges raise thousands
Former Perth Wildcat Greg Hire raised $150,000 after cycling 147km from Perth to Maroorah, returning the following night and then spending eight hours on a stationary bike at RAC Arena. His effort was backed by Alcoa Australia.
“I’m absolutely cooked, but when you sort of hear different stories, it puts into perspective,” Hire said.
“Everyone knows someone that’s been impacted… so this pain is nothing in comparison. One day of pain, maybe four weeks later of recovery, but for young kids, it’s a no-brainer to put your body through a slog.”
His daughter also raised $60 by selling bracelets at a Pilates studio. “I wasn’t expecting my daughter to do that… it was a real humble feeling, that one,” Hire said.
Aviation lead firefighter Philip Burch led a 24-hour treadmill walk while wearing 20kg of firefighting equipment, including a breathing apparatus and helmet. The team raised about $17,000.
“We’re all kitted up like we’re going to a job… so that’s what makes it a little bit tougher, but it replicates what we do,” Burch said.
Levi Quinton climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest on a stairmaster, completing 2,950 floors. Donations of $1 per floor, followed by corporate contributions, took his total beyond $80,000.
“I just wanted to climb Mount Everest without going there, and it’s probably the easiest way because I don’t have to go back down,” he said.
Chris Ashton cycled continuously for 24 hours after riding to Perth from Geraldton, while Scott Guerini completed a 50km treadmill walk. Guerini began fundraising walks at the age of four and said he continued “to help sick kids and babies”.
Healthy Strides also held a Moveathon, bringing together children who use walking frames or wheelchairs. The event raised a record $47,409.79 with support from MinRes.
“The Moveathon is a celebration of movement where we bring together children who use a walking frame or wheelchair so they can all get involved,” Healthy Strides chief executive Dr Dayna Pool said.
