Unique Estates sponsored an Ophthalmologist that conquered the Kimberley's 'Racing The Planet' to support eye research Ophthalmologist Dr Peter van Wijngaarden has come fourth in a race across 250 kilometres of the Kimberley's toughest terrain. The race formed the Australian leg of Racing The Planet, an endurance competition that challenges competitors to negotiate some of the world’s most difficult terrain. Competitors must run, climb and even swim to finish the race that covers varying terrain. Around 200 people from around the world competed in the race which started at Doon Doon Station, near Kununurra, and ended seven days later at El Questro Station in the east Kimberley. During the seven day race, participants had to carry their own equipment and food in temperatures that frequently exceeded 45 degrees.
In competing, Peter raised more than $30,000 for CERA’s sight saving research programs.
“The race is the equivalent of running six marathons in six days, in the desert! Peter has always been a high achiever but this has really raised the bar,” Professor Crowston said.
In 2009, Peter won a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) medal for his outstanding performance in the College exams. This year, Peter will join CERA’s Glaucoma Research Unit as a post doctoral researcher before heading to Moorfields Eye Hospital, London in 2011 to conduct research into stem cells in retinal diseases.
