Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has congratulated Stratford endurance runner Chris Dixon and the team behind the 2026 Helping Hands Running Festival after the event raised an extraordinary $256,941 for Free 3D Hands.
Around 200 runners took on a range of distances over 36 hours at Lake Guthridge in Sale, raising money for the Phillip Island-based charity which provides free prosthetic hands and arms to children around the world living with limb differences.
The festival capped off an extraordinary fortnight for Chris, who had already smashed the world record for the most kilometres run on a treadmill in seven days.
Mr Chester caught up with Chris during the festival and said the event was an outstanding example of Gippsland community spirit.
“A world record, 200 runners and more than a quarter of a million dollars raised for a wonderful cause, it has been an extraordinary couple of weeks,” Mr Chester said.
“Chris’ determination is remarkable, but just as impressive has been the way the community has rallied behind him, his family and this event.
“From the runners and volunteers to the sponsors, donors and supporters cheering everyone on, this was a genuine team effort.”
The cause is deeply personal for Chris, whose young daughter Gracie was born with a limb difference.
Mr Chester said Chris’ efforts were helping raise both money and awareness for families who could benefit from the life-changing technology and support provided by Free 3D Hands.
“Chris has taken something deeply personal and turned it into an incredible force for good,” Mr Chester said.
“His commitment to helping other children and families access prosthetic hands and arms is inspirational, and the support behind the Helping Hands Running Festival shows just how strongly the community believes in what he is trying to achieve.
“To raise $256,941 in one event is a phenomenal result and will make a real difference to Free 3D Hands and the families it supports.
“Congratulations to Chris, his family and everyone who helped make this year’s Helping Hands Running Festival such an outstanding success.”
Pictured: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Helping Hands Running Festival Founder and new world record holder for the most kilometres run on a treadmill in seven days, Chris Dixon.
