From gruelling 24-hour marathons to lemonade stands and cookie dough sales, everyday Western Aussies have once again proven there is no limit to their generosity, digging deep to unite for our sickest children.
Throughout Telethon Sunday, an extraordinary sea of more than 100,000 everyday heroes poured down Wellington Street and flooded into RAC Arena to join in the electrifying, 26-hour celebration of giving.
As Telethon 2026 reached its triumphant climax, it was the grass-roots spirit of everyday locals — pulling out all the stops across every corner of the State — that helped propel the community fundraising effort past a mammoth, record breaking $2 million.
Leading the charge was Australia’s backyard ultra-marathon king Phil Gore, who solidified his status as the highest community fundraiser after collecting an astounding $301,093.40.
AFL legend Kane Cornes also pushed his body to the absolute limit by running two marathons in five days.
Backed by a $500,000 corporate pledge from CommBank, everyday Aussies also rallied behind his heroic run, adding $650,268 to his final tally.
WA’s youngest changemakers proved age is no barrier when it comes to making a difference, with primary schools across the State turning fun activities into serious cash.
Mindarie Primary School pulled off a staggering $32,202 tally.
The massive effort earned students the ultimate prize — live on broadcast, the students dumped eight buckets of green slime over their principal alongside Home and Away star Rocco Forrester-Sach.
“Our goal was to raise enough funds to reach far and wide,” teacher Tania Vanderspuy said.
Student Dylan Stanton, 12, added: “That was so good, it was very fun to slime the principal because it was funny.”
At North Woodvale Primary School, a 12-hour discothon raised $20,521.
“We did face painting and we danced for hours, and it was really fun because I did so many different dance moves and Fat Cat came,” 10-year-old Freya Higgins cheered.
Poynter Primary School in Duncraig brought in $2,570 through pyjama days, crazy hair, and doughnut sales.
Regional communities proved their dedication, with students from Yakamia Primary School in Albany and Denmark Primary School making the five-hour drive to Perth to present cheques for $10,073 and $11,458 respectively.
Fundraising hit especially close to home for schools honouring this year’s Little Telethon Stars.
St Peter’s Primary School raised $10,667.95 for classmate Olivia Street, Settlers Primary School generated $3,058.10 for Little Star Paige, and Leda Primary School added $2,449 in support of Little Star Aiden Narsico.
Former Perth Wildcat Greg Hire rode 147km from Perth to Maroorah on Friday, rode back on Saturday night, and then pedalled on a stationary bike for eight hours at RAC Arena —raising $150,000, with the backing of Alcoa Australia.
“I’m absolutely cooked, but when you sort of hear different stories, it puts into perspective,” he 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.”
The inspiration trickled down to Hire’s own home, with his young daughter launching a spontaneous pop-up fundraiser.
“My own daughter this morning decided to sell bracelets at a Pilates studio and just came in and said, ‘Oh, here’s $60’,” he said.
“I wasn’t expecting my daughter to do that… it was a real humble feeling, that one.”
Every corner of RAC Arena buzzed with remarkable feats of endurance.
Aviation Lead Firefighter Philip Burch led a crew through a punishing 24-hour treadmill walk — all while wearing 20kg of firefighting gear, breathing apparatus and heavy helmets.
“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.
Mr Burch said the team collectively raised around $17,000.
“If there’s ever any doubt in your mind, you don’t have to look very far to get your reasons to get going.”
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Levi Quinton conquered the equivalent of Mount Everest on a stairmaster — climbing 2,950 floors to raise $1 per floor, before massive corporate top-ups pushed his efforts over the $80,000 mark.
“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.
“There were a few moments it was testing me, but I just kept at it.”
For 20-year-old Scott Guerini, walking for Telethon has been a lifelong obsession.
Having started at age four by walking 25km from his farm into town, he clocked up a 50km treadmill marathon this year.
“I was inspired in kindy because we did a lesson about fundraising,” he said.
“I still do it for the same reason, to help sick kids and babies.”
Over on the exercise bikes, Chris Ashton rode continuously for 24 hours after having already cycled all the way from Geraldton.
WA organisations also got involved including Healthy Strides who held a ‘Moveathon’, which raised a record-breaking $47,409.79 with the help of 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 CEO Dr Dayna Pool said.
“Being able to move so easily is something we take for granted and I think people are starting to understand that more.”
The people of Western Australia proved once again that when it comes to supporting sick kids, our community stands unrivalled.