AUSTRALIAN National University student, Grace Danielson, will tackle the 140km Centenary Trail on December 2 to raise money for UNICEF Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal.

Earlier this year, 21-year-old Grace completed 70km at Inward Bound, an annual endurance running event for students at the Australian National University.

Grace says the Centenary Trail is her next big milestone.

“My university is on the doorstep of Black Mountain, which is home to what I think are some of Australia’s most beautiful running trails,” she says.

“From time to time I have run sections of the Centenary Trail, but this will be my first time running all 140kms in one go.”

Grace says this is also her first time fundraising, and she’s raised more than $1500 so far.

“I received an out of the blue call from my nan, who said she just wanted to hear my voice and know I was alright, having just watched the nightly news on the Israel and Gaza conflict,” she says.

“She was shocked and upset by seeing families without water and shared her prayers for them with me. I love my nan dearly and this call inspired me to fundraise for UNICEF Australia’s Gaza Appeal.

“Ongoing violence continues to take a horrendous toll on the lives of children and their families in Israel and the state of Palestine. Many children have been killed or injured, and countless others have been exposed to the violence following days of air strikes.

“Food, water and electricity supplies are being depleted, and safe access to hospitals and medicine is severely restricted. The money raised will support children and families in Gaza by delivering critical emergency supplies.”

CEO of UNICEF Australia, Tony Stuart says when an emergency strikes, it is sometimes difficult to know how to help.

“That is why it is so inspiring to see fundraising efforts from people who want to find a way to support children in desperate need, especially when they have never fundraised before,” he says.

Support Grace here.