A loyal supporter will tackle extreme water temperatures and currents to raise funds for The Foundation in Hawaii later this year.

James Pittar, who is blind, will launch off from Molokai Island on a difficult 42 kilometre swim to mainland Hawaii in October. A crew member in a kayak will blow a whistle to guide James as he swims Molokai Channel. He hopes to reach his destination in under 14 hours.

The Sydneysider, 40, has braved extreme temperatures and currents numerous times to raise over $10,000 for The Foundation’s sight-saving work. He hopes to raise a further $10,000 with the Hawaii swim. This is enough to help The Foundation with 400 cataract operations, which can cost as little as $25.

“I enjoy marathon swimming and the opportunity to try and complete long distance swims is a great challenge,” says James.

“I’m very pleased to support The Foundation through these swims as well.”

The Hawaii swim is one chapter in Pittar’s ongoing attempt to complete the Ocean’s Seven marathon. The goal of the event is to swim seven notoriously difficult stretches of water in different parts of the world. No one has completed the challenge yet. Pittar hopes the Hawaii swim will become the fifth notch on his belt.

“The Hawaii swim will be enormously difficult, being in 25 degree water,” says James.

But there is little doubt that Pittar will conquer the Molokai Channel. Adding to a swag of accolades, he was recently inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. His name now sits alongside 198 of history’s long distance heavyweights, including Australia’s Des Renford and Susie Maroney.

“Hopefully the funds raised by my swim will mean The Foundation can help more people to experience a full life - with sight,” James says.

“It would be a great achievement to get those people who are needlessly blind in the world to see again.”

Find out more about Community Fundraising (http://www.hollows.org.au/Fundraising/)