Yarraville speed skater Saffron Canny-Smith is taking a unique approach towards completing the Fred Hollows Foundation’s Fred’s Big Run campaign.
Instead of running or walking 50 kilometres, 100 kilometres or 150 kilometres, she is planning on ice skating her way to the 50 kilometre goal.
Less than a week in, Ms Canny-Smith said she is well on her way with about 13 kilometres under her belt.
“I wanted to do something a bit different,” she said.
“I’m really hoping I can make it to 50.”
Training at the O’Brien Icehouse in Docklands about three times a week, each lap is about 111 metres long.
Ms Canny-Smith said she is also training to get ready to compete in the state and national ice racing championships.
“You feel it all through your legs,” she said.
“After 27 laps, it really burns.”
Ms Canny-Smith said she is shifting her initial fundraising goal of $250 to $500.
She said the funding will contribute to eye surgeries across the globe, with operations costing as little as $25 to help restore sight.
“It’s crazy how many people are needlessly blind around the world,” she said.
Nine out of 10 people who are blind do not need to be.
Anybody is welcome to register to log their kilometres and raise funds for the challenge.
Details: www.fredsbigrun.org/fundraisers/saffroncanny-smith/freds-big-run-2022
Matthew Sims
