In 2022, Hawke’s Bay optometrist Niall McCormack laced up his boots and walked New Zealand’s 3,026km Te Araroa Trail in 134 days—all to raise funds for Eye Care for Africa, the charity he founded in 2017 to bring vital eye care to some of East Africa’s most underserved communities.
Now, in 2025, he’s back at it.
But this time? He’s crossing countries—and causes.
Niall planned to walk the entire length of the UK (all 1,900km of it) from Land’s End in Cornwall to John o’ Groats in Scotland. But he “just knew” he had to start from the most Southern point of the UK at Lizard Point (almost 80km more!). Along the way, he’s raising funds for both Eye Care for Africa and Glaucoma NZ—a charity he proudly volunteers with every month.
Through his work with Glaucoma NZ as on of the facilitators of the Taradale-based Glaucoma Peer Group, Niall helps Kiwis living with glaucoma feel informed, reassured, and seen. Now, the funds he raises will help others feel the same.
Fundraising Manager Sandy McGregor says
“We’re so grateful to Niall—not just for the distance he’s walking, but for the impact he’s making. Through his work as an optometrist and as a volunteer, he already brings connection and confidence to people living with glaucoma.
Now, through this incredible walk, he’s raising vital awareness and funds so even more Kiwis can feel supported.
Every donation to Glaucoma NZ will go directly towards resources, materials, and support programmes that help people feel informed, reassured, and less alone on their glaucoma journey.”
Details of Niall’s walk:
- Starting point:
(Land’s End)Lizard, Cornwall - Destination: John o’ Groats, Scotland
- Goal: More support. More sight. More impact.
Get behind Niall. Donate toward his walk for Glaucoma NZ at niallswalkforgnz.raiselysite.com or for Eye Care for Africa at givealittle.co.nz/cause/eye-care-for-africa-te-araroa