Running for Alex

For the second year running, we are taking part in the City2Surf in memory of our dear cousin, Alex, who sadly left our world earlier last year. Alex lived with such intense passion, drive, and determination. We always admired these qualities and the extraordinary things they led him to accomplish.

An exceptional athlete, we were always blown away by Alex’s dedication to his running schedule, which prevailed in all circumstances – rain, hail, or shine. We remember one 40+ degree Christmas, while the rest of us only just had enough energy to digest our Christmas lunch, Alex tied up his laces and headed out for a run. That was no surprise at all to us – that was the Lex we knew and loved!

We hope to channel some of Alex’s athleticism and determination to help us in our City2Surf efforts on Sunday 13 August, when we will run 14km from Sydney city centre to Bondi Beach. We are raising funds for the Alex Race Stelling Memorial Fund, which reflects another of his great loves – literature. Please consider a donation to honour Alex.

Last year, we raised $2,495 in memory of Alex (a big thanks to all of the generous donors!), and we would like to beat this! Can you help us achieve our goal?

Big thanks! ❤️

- Lisa Stelling, Olivia Stelling, and Maisie Walker Stelling.

About The Fund

The Alex Race Stelling Fund has been established to honour the memory of Alex, who died suddenly in early-2022 at just 21 years of age. Alex was a keen runner, loved exploring the local bush and travelling throughout Australia and overseas. Alex was also passionate about literature, creative writing and really enjoyed sharing great books with friends.

Alex attended schools in Beechworth, Wangaratta, Wooragee and Alice Springs, and later attended the University of Charleston (WV, USA) and more recently the University of Melbourne. Alex was inspired by so many wonderful teachers during his schooling, with many encouraging his great interest in reading and writing.

To continue to share Alex’s love of reading and writing, The Alex Race Stelling Fund aims to support initiatives by schools and other organisations that nurture and support reading, writing and the humanities more broadly, and leadership among young people. The Fund’s initial focus will be on schools in regional and rural Victoria, as country students do not always have the same opportunities as those in the city.

The Alex Race Stelling Fund is a sub-fund of the Into Our Hands Community Foundation, which is a public charitable foundation. IOHCF is a well-established Foundation managed by a professional team with deep experience of philanthropy.