As the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival kicked off, country music star, James Johnston, swapped his guitar for joggers, running 110km from Armidale to Tamworth and raising vital funds to support the hundreds of families who call our Ronald McDonald House ‘home’ each year.
Inspired by the families and children he’s met during his career, the ARIA Music Award Nominee took on the challenge as a way to give back.
“There was once a kid that was a big fan of mine and came to a bunch of my shows who ended up being diagnosed with cancer and needed to be in the Ronald McDonald House,” James said.
“If I can do my part and help keep those families and kids being looked after in the House as long as possible, then I think that’s something that’s worth doing.”
A crowd of supporters joined James for the final kilometre of his four-day run, celebrating the completion of 110km and his incredible fundraising tally… 156 nights of accommodation raised for rural families with an ill or injured child or new baby.
As a ‘thank you’ to his supporters, James provided early access to his new song, ‘HELL BOY’, to anyone who donated; “I thought about the message that comes through in this song – the idea of being a fighter – and I think the biggest fighters in the world are these young kids that are in the hospital.”
James alsomanaged to bring some Tamworth Country Music Festival joy to our House, popping in to perform for the families staying with us.
We’re so grateful to James and his team for going above and beyond to support our families, and to all who support James’ fundraiser – your generosity will make a big difference for the families staying at our Ronald McDonald House.
