A Registered Nurse from Armidale has become one of Team UNICEF’s top fundraisers for Runaway Sydney’s Half Marathon, after hitting a personal milestone.
Rachael Ferris currently works in the Refugee Health team within Hunter New England Health, providing care to the Ezidi community in Armidale and the refugee and migrant community in Tamworth.
Ms Ferris said UNICEF is a charity very close to her heart.
“I work with people who have recently arrived from overseas for humanitarian reasons, and I hear first-hand the positive impact that UNICEF has in the lives of people around the world.
“The diversity of projects UNICEF oversee is also important to me – they support communities not just in times of crisis, but also improving outcomes long term,” she said.
In her role Ms Ferris is responsible for initial health assessments for recently arrived refugees, as well as health education and promotion including immunisation and support navigating the Australian health system.
She said she’s always been passionate about equitability in the global context and that’s why UNICEF’s mission for equitable health resonates with her.
“UNICEF’s work is essentially the intersection of my passions,” she said.
“I’m a firm believer that the circumstances of your birth should not affect the quality of healthcare or education you receive.”
Ms Ferris fundraised for UNICEF Australia for the first time last year, running in the City2Surf, where she raised more than $1,500. This time, ahead of the event on May 5, she has already raised more than $1,000.
“I recently hit a pretty big weight loss milestone – officially dropping 60kg. To celebrate that, I thought I would continue to push myself and sign up for a half marathon, which will be my longest run ever,” she said.
“Knowing that I can fundraise for a cause I’m passionate about while training towards a big personal goal is rewarding in a multitude of ways.”
UNICEF works to improve the lives and wellbeing of children and young people around the world, through access and quality of healthcare, education, safe water and sanitation, and protecting children against violence and abuse. UNICEF is there before, after and during the onset of emergencies, delivering life-saving supplies and safeguarding the future of children and families through long-term development.
“We have such a generous network of supporters, with their own generous network of friends, family and community – and we are truly inspired by their determination to find a way to help children in need,” CEO of UNICEF Australia, Tony Stuart said.
“It’s our fundraisers like Rachael who are the driving force behind UNICEF’s ability to deliver the life-saving aid to millions of children and families, and in some of the world’s toughest places to be a child,” he said.
To support Ms Ferris on her fundraiser run please visit https://runawayhalfmarathon2024.grassrootz.com/unicef/rachael-ferris
Like what you’re reading? Support The New England Times by making a small donation today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now