Barry O’Brien AM, Chairman of Atomic 212°, Australia's largest independent media agency, recently took a daring leap for a noble cause. O’Brien participated in the Children’s Cancer Institute’s annual CEO Dare to Cure challenge, taking on the 'Dare Devil Stunt Jump' challenge. This involved jumping off a seven-metre platform at the Australian Turf Club at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse.

The CEO Dare to Cure event brings together CEOs and business leaders from across Australia to face a fear and raise funds for childhood cancer research. Last year's event raised $1.7 million, funding the equivalent of 16 senior researchers working on a cure. This year's event is expected to surpass last year's total, with donations still coming in.

"Cancer still kills more Australian children than any other disease, with nearly three children and adolescents dying every week. It’s an absolutely heartbreaking statistic," said O’Brien. He further highlighted the importance of the Children’s Cancer Institute, stating, "Children’s Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to curing childhood cancer. But they rely on funding to facilitate this vital research and cure more children."

O’Brien exceeded his fundraising goal of $10,000, raising $12,847. This amount is enough to fully cover minimal residual disease testing for four children with leukaemia and RNA sequencing to detect changes in their genes.

"Facing my fear of jumping a few metres pales in comparison to what these kids and their families face every single day in their fight against cancer. They don't need miracles: they need generous supporters to donate money for medical research," O’Brien emphasised.

O’Brien expressed his gratitude to those who donated and supported the cause, stating, "Huge thanks to everyone who donated and supported this wonderful cause. Together we really can make a difference."

Donations can still be made at the Children’s Cancer Institute's CEO Dare to Cure webpage.