On Sunday 11 August, Canberran Jarrett Anthoney will take part in his 11th City2Surf and is set to break the $100,000 fundraising mark for Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation (SCHF).

Since 2013, Jarrett Anthoney has been taking part in Sydney’s iconic 14-kilometre fun run to raise funds for SCHF through Dainere’s Rainbow, a charity established in the name and memory of his little sister who tragically passed away from brain cancer 11 years ago at the age of just 15 years old.

Dainere (R) was just 15 years old when she passed away from a brain tumour in 2013. Her brother, Jarrett (R), has taken part in every City2Surf since.

“Dainere was the most selfless, caring, patient and persistent person, even before she was diagnosed with her brain tumour,” reflected Jarrett. “She had a special way of always being able to find a positive in every situation. She was a fighter who never gave up, and despite the brain tumour forcing the deterioration of her body and life, she always thought about others, fundraising so that others wouldn’t have to endure the tumultuous journey she had – so that a cure could be found.”

Dainere’s bravery and selflessness inspired others during her illness. She believed her journey had a purpose – to raise awareness and funds. A gifted writer, she authored two books and contributed significantly to the cause. Jarrett continues her legacy to this day, determined to keep her work and memory alive.

When Jarrett first entered City2Surf, he aimed to raise a modest $1,000 – the minimum fundraising amount that was required of a charity runner at the time. However, the response exceeded all expectations as the community rallied behind him and the donations poured in.

“Seeing Dainere struggle each and every day with her cancerous brain tumour while raising awareness and funds inspired me to also do this. Knowing that my little sister only had a short time left to live, I had a conversation with her early in 2013 where I shared that I wanted to assist her in raising awareness and funds for childhood brain tumours.

“She told me that I could do this through something I loved doing – running. The City2Surf was something I had always been keen to try from hearing other runners and my coach talk about it, so I decided to lock it in as the event to raise funds in. That initial City2Surf in 2013 was less than two months after Dainere’s death and I raised an incredible $52,150, an amount that even to this day, I cannot believe I raised,” said Jarrett.

Over time, Jarrett’s fundraising efforts have continued to snowball. Through his 10 City2Surf’s, he has raised over $90,000 and this year, Jarrett aims to surpass the $100,000 fundraising mark.

“City2Surf is the event that I had decided to race in and raise awareness and funds for SCHF, which I had told Dainere. I believe the main reason why this is the event for me to return to every year is the combination of it being discussed with Dainere, and also because Dainere had all of her treatment in Sydney, so running in Sydney has a special connection for me, which is difficult to express in words. It just feels like the right event for me for these reasons,” he said.

“If someone told me back in 2013 that I would raise this much money racing in the City2Surf in this time, I think I would have laughed and not believed them. I still struggle to believe that I raised over $50,000 in the first City2Surf and being so close to a total of $100,000 is just as unbelievable to me.

“I am so very grateful for every single person who has donated over all the years of me competing in the run – from the reliable repeated donors, the businesses and people who donate very generous amounts, and all those who selflessly and admirably donate as little $2 because it is all that they can afford to give. Every single dollar counts and goes towards fulfilling Dainere’s greatest wish in life – for a cure to be found for childhood brain cancer.”

Kate Ferguson, Acting CEO of Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF), says the charity are beyond grateful for the support they have received from Jarrett and his family over the years.

"For some kids, childhood is far from what it should be. Instead of playdates there are appointments. Instead of sleepovers there are hospital stays and instead of firsts, there can be lasts. No child or their family should have to go through this, but those who do, have our all," said Ferguson.

"We are beyond grateful for the incredible support we have received from Jarrett and the Anthoney family in memory of Dainere. In the face of unimaginable loss, the Anthoney family has been tireless and unwavering in their efforts to support other sick kids and their families,” she said. “As Jarrett completes his 11th City2Surf for Dainere's Rainbow this year, aiming to reach a total donation of $100,000, his dedication will change lives today and help ensure a healthier future for all children tomorrow. We look forward to celebrating with him at the finish line.”

To support Jarrett in this year’s City2Surf and donate vital funds for Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation visit https://city2surf24.grassrootz.com/schf/jarrett-anthoney.