Simon Burchett: Clontarf barrister becomes top fundraiser for Team UNICEF in Sydney Marathon

A Sydney barrister’s passion for running and raising money for vulnerable people will see him at the starting line for the Sydney Marathon – the ‘world’s most scenic event’.

Clontarf barrister Simon Burchett, the top fundraiser for Team UNICEF, running across the Sydney Harbour Bridge last year. He is now preparing to join tens of thousands of runners in the 2023 Sydney Marathon on September 17. Picture: UNICEF

A busy northern beaches barrister is using his love of long distance running and his desire to help others, to raise money for children in need across the world.

Simon Burchett, from Clontarf, is tackling the 42km Sydney Marathon on Sunday, is the top fundraiser for Team UNICEF.

Mr Burchett has attracted about $1000 in donations to compete for the team, in what is described by marathon organisers as one of the “world’s most scenic events”.

The marathon, which starts at Milsons Point, gives runners the chance to run across a traffic-free Sydney Harbour Bridge and finish at the Sydney Opera House.

A total of about 40,000 runners are expected to sign up for the main marathon as well as the a 21km half-marathon; a 10km run or the 3.5km family run.

Clontarf barrister Simon Burchett on the run in last year’s Sydney Marathon. Picture: UNICEF

As well as the Harbour Bridge, the route for the 42km event also takes in Centennial Park, Barangaroo and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Mr Burchett is raising money for UNICEF Australia, which works with families, communities and local organisations to better the lives of children and young people by ensuring they are healthy, educated and safe.

Runners will be able to cross the traffic-free Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday. AAP Image/Brendan Esposito

“As a barrister, who has done legal work involving refugees and child health and safety, I have seen that the people and agencies dealing with such matters do so for the love of humanity, rather than reward,” Mr Burchett said.

“A great way to provide support to those in need is to combine it with my love of running and hopefully inspire others to help.

“I have previously fundraised for other UN agencies through my running and thought I’d expand my support to the UN agency dealing with children in crisis across the world, UNICEF.”

Sydney barrister Simon Burchett wants to inspire others to raise money for good causes by taking part in the Sydney Marathon on Sunday. Picture: Selborne Chambers

Across the world, UNICEF works to protect and improve the lives of vulnerable children in more than 190 countries by sending lifesaving supplies when an emergency occurs, or providing long-term development programs for communities in need.

UNICEF Australia chief executive, Tony Stuart said the organisation was “thankful to running superstars like Simon.

“(They) are part of our inspiring community of fundraisers and are a powerful force behind our ability to help children and families who need it most,” Mr Stuart said.

Sydney Marathon ambassadors, Sinead Diver and Steve Moneghetti, at Bennelong Point. It’s been described as the “world’s most scenic event”. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“It’s because of wonderful fundraising efforts like this, that we are able to deliver life-changing and lifesaving assistance to children across the globe and allow us to support the teams on the ground, who are there before, during and long-after emergencies occur.”

To support Mr Burchett in his Sydney Marathon fundraising efforts click here. If you want to join Team UNICEF click here.

Click here for more info on the Sydney Marathon.

The Daily Telegraph is one of the sponsors.