Croxteth vet running 1,200 miles across Australia to follow AC/DC tour and raise funds
Rob Pope's Highway to Help run aims to raise £50,000 for charity
A vet from Croxteth is running an incredible 1,200 miles across Australia, following the route of rock band AC/DC’s 2025 tour to raise £50,000 for charity.
Rob Pope, an author, athlete, and podcast host, began his epic endurance challenge, called Highway to Help, on 16th November in Melbourne. The run will see him cover a gruelling 43 miles a day over four weeks, finishing at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, where AC/DC is set to perform their final show.
The funds raised will be split between the NSPCC, Australian children’s charity The Smith Family, and the environmental organisation WWF. To add a unique twist to his challenge, Rob is dressing up as various AC/DC band members during the run.
Rob had the chance to meet the legendary rock band before a recent show, where they pledged to support his efforts by signing inflatable guitars to be sold at each Australian tour stop, with proceeds going towards his fundraising total.
No stranger to endurance challenges, Rob previously ran 15,600 miles over 18 months and crossed the United States five times – retracing the iconic route taken by Tom Hanks’s character in Forrest Gump. His experience inspired his book, Becoming Forrest. He also hosts the Red Bull podcast How to be Superhuman, where he interviews endurance athletes about their achievements.
Rachel Walker, NSPCC Volunteer Engagement Officer, praised Rob’s determination and dedication to giving back.
“One of the highlights of working in the charity sector is meeting these ‘super’ human beings that just make everything you do in life seem to pale into insignificance, yet at the same time motivate you to become a better person.
“Rob is one of these people."
Walker revealed that Rob’s inspiration for making a difference stems from his late mum, Cathy, who passed away from lung cancer at 48. Her words encouraged him to take on life-changing challenges.
“Before she died she had said to Rob: ‘Do one thing in your life that makes a difference.’ Rob went on to qualify as a vet, became the 2015 Australia men's marathon champion, and hold three world records.”
To support Rob’s Highway to Help run and contribute to his £50,000 fundraising target, visit his donation page via social media or charity links listed by Rob.