Channel Seven AFL commentator Luke Hodge would do anything to support Telethon and he’ll prove it next Thursday when he leaps out of a plane at 10,000-plus feet above Rottnest Island.
The four-time Hawthorn premiership player will then hit the ground running for an Amazing Race style challenge in support of another retired AFL gun and Channel 7 expert Kane Cornes as he attempts his second marathon in five days.
“Any time I am asked to be a part of Telethon I jump at it because of the cause and the funds they have raised over the years. Unfortunately, I can’t get there for the weekend so I thought I’d come over early and do what I can,” Hodge told The West Australian.
“The forecast is pretty good at this stage and hopefully the sun’s out and I get to see beautiful views over Rotto.
“It will be a little bit of a adrenaline rush. Obviously I hope that we’re landing on the land and not in the water and that the wind doesn’t take us the wrong way.
“But it’s all for great cause and I get to go over there and watch Kane complete his second marathon in five days, so will be a great way to kick off the 2026 Telethon.”
Cornes will first run the Perth Running Festival Marathon on Sunday, before taking on the action-packed 42.2km challenge across Rottnest Island.
Hodge will be joined by WA Premier Roger Cook, Triple M breakfast hosts Xavier Ellis and Katie Lamb and Telethon favourite Fat Cat with every completed challenge providing another opportunity to raise money for Telethon and support children and young people across WA.
The marathon fundraising total will be announced during the 59th annual Telethon on October 17-18 at RAC Arena, with the action broadcast live on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Western Australians can support Kane’s challenge and donate to Telethon here.
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