It took Niall McCormack nine weeks to complete a solo walk across the United Kingdom. He equipped himself with a backpack, a tent, and a heart set on saving sight.
Some people run marathons. Others bake or shave their heads. Niall walks. For those he may never meet. The power of early diagnosis. And for sight that can still be saved.
This week (Updated August 2025), this Hawke’s Bay optometrist completed his 1,900km walk. It was planned for Land’s End in England to John o’ Groats in Scotland. Before that, he added a few extra days to start at Lizard Point, the UK’s true southernmost tip. And in the same day reaching John O’Groats, the continued on to Dunnet Head, the UK’s true northermost tip. If he was going to do this, he was going to do it properly.
“I’ve got my little tent and the backpack and just… see how it goes,” he said before flying out. He hadn’t trained much, but his smile said it all.
There was no crew trailing him, no big production behind the scenes. Just quiet determination, a love for people, and a deep belief that sight matters.
Niall sees glaucoma patients often. “A third of my work is glaucoma,” he says. “It’s often symptom-free. That’s what makes it so dangerous. People don’t realise until their vision’s already gone.”
That’s what fuelled this walk. Every kilometre he covered is in service of earlier diagnosis. Its for more empowering education. And to better support people facing glaucoma, both here in New Zealand and abroad.
Niall continues to raise funds for two causes. 1. equipping a rural eye clinic in Tanzania and 2. supporting Glaucoma NZ to eliminate blindness from glaucoma in New Zealand.
Along the way, people stopped him when they saw the QR code on his backpack. Some donated on the spot. Others offered a cup of tea, a warm word, or a cheer from the sidelines.
He shared daily video logs filled with dry humour and reflections from the road. Even on rough days, Niall signed off with, “All in all, it was a good day.” His optimism held steady.
This journey is powered by heart, but it’s your support that turns it into real, lasting change for fellow New Zealanders.
When you donate, you walk alongside Niall. More importantly, you help fund:
- efforts for early diagnosis,
- empowering education, and
- practical tools that prevent avoidable blindness from glaucoma.
Visit glaucoma.org.nz/niall and donate now. Your support helps protect sight and change lives.