When John Barnard-Richardson laces up his shoes on 28 June to tackle the grueling 106km Ultra Trail Jervis Bay, he’ll be running to raise funds and awareness for a cause close to his heart – aged care services at Royal North Shore Hospital. His goal is to support initiatives that help deliver care with dignity, respect and comfort for older Australians.
As a long-time staff member of the Northern Sydney Local Health District, John is raising vital funds through charity, the NORTH Foundation to support a service that delivers compassionate, specialised care to some of the community’s most vulnerable patients.
“Our older population is too often overlooked,” says John. “Aged care is an unsung hero in our health system. I think because we can’t cure ageing, it kind of becomes a background thing. But it affects all of us – our parents, grandparents, neighbours, and friends. Supporting them in their time of need should be a shared responsibility.”
With a rapidly ageing population in the local area, Royal North Shore Hospital’s Aged Care Service plays a crucial role in supporting older people during hospital stays, through transitional care, and as they return to the community. Contributions from John’s fundraising will help further strengthen this care by providing additional equipment and resources that support comfort, connection and wellbeing for older patients.
John’s run is part of a broader call to reframe how society views ageing. “I want to strive for aged care settings to be seen not with fear, but with hope and comfort – as a step in someone’s life path that they don’t dread, but feel good about,” he says. “It’s not about solving every problem but doing a little bit to help people on their journey, so they can age as happily and comfortably as possible – whether that’s creating more welcoming spaces with familiar music and cherished items from their era, or simply making the environment feel less clinical and more like home.”
The NORTH Foundation, the official charity partner of Royal North Shore Hospital and others across the local health district, is supporting John in his fundraising efforts and highlighting the importance of investment in acute aged care.
“Donations directly support initiatives that enhance patient experience and provide peace of mind to families,” said Amelia Seeto, Director of Marketing & Communications at the NORTH Foundation.
“Through this extraordinary physical and mental challenge – tackling 106km of difficult trails, remote beaches and rugged cliffs – John is not only raising vital funds, but he’s also using his own effort to champion compassionate care and respect for older Australians in a powerful and deeply personal way.”
John’s 106km run is more than a physical and mental test. It is a mission to transform how aged care is perceived.
“What we’re trying to pivot to now is the story about the purpose, not me,” John says. “I’m just the vehicle to get there. I want people to see aged care not as something to fear, but as a meaningful stage in life.”
His training is intense, involving strategic nutrition, long solo runs, and the mental challenge of pushing through fatigue and isolation. But his motivation is crystal clear.
“I believe every elderly person deserves dignity, comfort, and specialised care – especially in times of acute medical need. Running this ultra-marathon is my way of giving back to those who’ve come before us.”
“I’m expecting a new grandchild around the time of my run, so this journey is also for future generations. I hope they’ll grow up inspired to support causes like this one and carry on the spirit of giving back.”
To donate to John’s fundraising efforts in support of Royal North Shore Hospital’s Aged Care Services, visit: John Barnard-Richardson • NORTH Foundation
