Running with Purpose: My First Adventure Marathon for Make-A-Wish Australia
On June 14th, I’ll be stepping into the unknown — literally.
I’m embarking on my first ever adventure marathon, running 42.2km through a game reserve in South Africa, surrounded by the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes . There are no fences. Just the wildlife, the African terrain, and me.
At 48 years old, I’ve never run this distance before — and I’ve definitely never done anything like this. It’s going to be one of the biggest physical and mental challenges I’ve ever faced… but I’m not doing it just for me.
I’ve chosen to run this marathon to raise funds for Make-A-Wish® Australia, a cause very close to my heart. Every dollar raised will help grant life-changing wishes for critically ill children across the country — kids who are facing challenges far greater than any marathon.
This journey isn’t about setting records. It’s about pushing limits, rising to a challenge, and giving back in the most meaningful way I can.
💙 I would love your support.
No donation is too little or too large — every contribution helps make a wish come true.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me on this wild, wonderful adventure. Let’s see how many wishes we can grant together. ✨
Thank you for visiting my Make-A-Wish® Australia fundraising page.
Event Information
Saturday 14th JuneMy Achievements
Thank you to my Sponsors
$54.12
Judy Wiese
$106.12
Renee Doubrovsky
Annie. You are beyond incredible for what you just accomplished. Renee and Firax
$54.12
Kelly Dinnerville
$27.81
Kim Parker
Inspirational braveheart 🤩
$54.12
Jayne-ann
You are amazing ❤️
$11.65
Sally Steele
Annie you are always a legend !!
$54.12
Helen Melino
Well done, proud of you! X
$100
Jenni Mclennan
Yay Annie - a donation from our Wellness Event on Sunday. Have a wonderful time at “home” and Good luck in Greenland. Love Jenn. 🌺🌼
$106.12
Anonymous
$20
Naracoorte Probus Group
$100
Trish Probus Group- Keith
$25
Mexico
$80.25
Firaz
Small contribution towards the fundraising effort you have been working towards, good luck on your future runs ! Firaz
$22.10
Joro
Every step you did is an amazing achievement.
$54.12
Virginia Gale
$27.81
Astrid Böhacker
You go, Annie! Making the world a better place with every step you take. ❤️
$20
Charlotte Mitchell
Good luck Annie! Xxx
$43.60
Jenni Mclennan
For the Kids
$106.12
Kim Arendtsz
Such a great effort Annie 🩷 your such a great inspiration x I just love watching your journey of life x big hugs of congratulations xx
$27.81
Heather Louise
For the incredible Annie but also for a little someone who is fighting 💪
$54.12
Lynne & Pete Mcgill
Congrats Annie on yet another incredible achievement!! You are such an inspiration to so many!!
$106.12
Deb
You’re an inspiration Annie
$52.92
Louise & Jon Densley
Awesome job Annie, congratulations!!!
$27.81
Deanne Wallace
That looked like hard work Annie but so amazing. Well done x
$27.81
Anonymous
$27.81
Sue Bailey
Amazing Annie!
$33.15
Rhonda Barry
you are amazing Annie.
$54.12
Jacqui Hicks
$27.81
Kim
Legend. Inspiring! Gives me goosebumps reading about running on your own at times in the wild vastness. What a bucket list moment!
$54.12
Peter Lomax
You are an amazing role model. Thank you for sharing your incredible experience running your South African marathon.
$106.12
Ali, Ben, Ava & Rosella Xx
You are incredible Annie! Well done my lover 🏃♀️ 🦁 🦏 💛 xx
$106.12
Kathy Galbraith
Congratulations. You're an inspiration to many.
$27.81
Jacquie Halliday
$54.12
Kate Harvey
$54.12
Michelle Gilbertson
Good on you Annie raising money for these courageous children ❤️
$54.12
Nola Connor
Well done Annie, you are amazing. Good luck with your marathon 😍
$27.81
Mel Beggs
Have a blast Annie, good luck ✨️ you're amazing!
$100
Bonnie Johnson
$54.12
Heather Bates
Good luck with the run Annie x
$54.12
Meika
Goodluck - have fun xx
$106.12
Ads
Have fun Annie
$54.12
Kiara Cannizzaro
So wonderfully inspiring Annie! A fabulous cause ❤️ save travels, have a great run & watch out for those big kitties! xx
$211
Yvonne Cooper
What a good cause to pick to fund raise for. We are all hoping you have a good trip & a safe marathon!!! We are all very proud of you & your achievements, back in the UK. We will be thinking of you, & willing you on, every step of the way. Love Mum xxxx
$54.12
Jayne Nash
Have a ball, you got this
$27.81
Bethan Brown
Well done Annie we are so proud of you xxx
$106.12
Marg Sinclair
$54.12
Maree Matthews
My amazing friend who's enthusiastic zest for life is outstanding,this challenge she is tackling is not just for her but to help children who need something to wish for, a dream, that we can help to make happen Go Annie luv ya ❤️
$54.12
Emma Bates
All the best Annie! You will smash it!
$106.12
Josie & Jamie Jackson
$54.12
Brendan Moore
GO You good Girl. Big Hugs XXX
$54.12
Anne Naylor
A pleasure to support such a worthy cause - enjoy the run and everything it brings
$80.25
Penny Bayly
$103.72
Steph Lubcke
Good luck Annie!! You are so inspirational! I have no doubt that you will absolutely smash it and be smiling all the way!
$54.12
Judy Wiese
Have a wonderful adventure Annie! All the best for your fundraising too.
$106.12
Dejowally
Go Annie! Love your self belief! 🥰
$27.81
Fiona Edwards
Amazing Annie! Can’t wait to hear all about this next adventure ♥️
$106.12
Bordertown Bakery
$54.12
Nathan Mccarthy
$6.13
Anonymous
$27.81
Gus Driver
$27.81
Max Cunningham
$54.12
Dylan Broad
$54.12
Treena
Thank you, Annie
$106.12
Melissa Small
What an amazing adventure Annie, well done to you and what an amazing charity, all the very best you are an inspiration to all xx
$22.58
Suzanne Drabsch
Well done Annie.
$2.99
Chloe Hammond
$52.92
Sophie Mccarthy
Go Annie!
$54.12
Jenni Mclennan
Run like the wind Annie - with the Big 5. West sub snacking experience. Thank you for being you - and for raising funds for the kids. Make A Wish is the perfect charity for you - always wishing in a star. 🌟
$106.12
Teresa
Amazing Annie
$27.81
Rebekah Mccaul
Darling Annie 100?hind you on this + goodluck; just make sure you run faster than the big five ! 🦁🦒🦏🐆🐃
$100
Trisha Schroder
Have a great time Annie for a great cause
$100
Penny Beckey
Such a great cause , in true Annie style you will nail it!
$100
Alana Schreiber
Annie amazing! And what a wonderful charity you have chosen. The families memories can be made with these funds! Well done!
$1.02k
Amherst Livestock Trust
Running for a great cause!
$27.81
Jenni Mclennan
Go Annie! Super proud of you Girl! 🔥🏃🏻♀️
Congratulations Annie! Wonderful achievement.