Mosman’s Peter Ireland will take on Sydney’s steepest hill for his 23rd year running
When the Humpty Dumpty Foundation debuted fundraising event Balmoral Burn 22 years ago, a mate encouraged Peter Ireland to ‘have a crack at the hill’. The event, which invites competitors to race up ‘Sydney’s steepest hill’ in Awaba Street, Mosman, pushed Peter’s heart rate ‘up to 200,’ but he enjoyed it.
“It was a hard race, but then I thought, I’ve got to come back for this,” Peter, 67, says. Despite the hill being just 420 metres long, he says: “It takes every bit of you. But when you think, gosh, can I get another step out, you know that step is going to be for a little kid in hospital somewhere in Australia.”
Peter has competed in the Balmoral Burn every year since and will take on the hill again on 26 May in his age category. Last year he was the event’s number one individual fundraiser, bringing in $8,062 for the charity which provides lifesaving medical equipment for sick babies and children in 500 hospitals and health services nationwide. The event has raised $32.2 million since it began.
Peter’s wife Anne, who is principal at Marist Sisters’ College in Woolwich, joined Peter at the event 10 years ago. She now encourages her students to join in the ‘Head of the Hill’ senior girls races. Last year the school raised $3,779 for the event.
Peter Ireland has competed for 22 years
The Balmoral Burn is for all ages and fitness levels, and is a colourful, fun day out. Peter and Anne will be joined at the event for the first time by their grandchildren, Raffy, 10, and Daisy, eight, who both benefitted directly from the foundation when they spent time in humidicribs at the Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Randwick as premature babies.
“To contribute to a young child’s wellbeing, it’s not just satisfying, it’s a privilege,” Peter says.
In preparation for sprinting up the hill on race day, Peter walks in the water at Balmoral Beach, cycles and swims. But there is one thing he says he never does – and that’s train on the hill, preferring to do that just once a year!
There are 20 different race categories to choose from and children, families, schools, community group, hospitals and corporate groups are all welcome. Participants have access to their own online fundraising page.
“The good thing is you can crawl, you can jog, you can take your dog and you can go with grandma and grandpa,” Peter says.
“You’re helping little kids with every single step you make.”
Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn
Sunday 26 May, 8.30am
Race starts down Balmoral Beach end of Awaba St
Register: balmoralburn.com.au