Fight Like Fred is Back!
As some of you may know, my father, Fred Van Oosten, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over 33 years ago. After bravely battling this terrible disease for more than three decades, he sadly passed away in June of last year.
Dad never gave up and always fought relentlessly, so he could be there for his friends and family. To remember, acknowledge, and show gratitude to Dad, my family, friends, and I are once again raising funds to find a cure for this horrible disease.
Fight Like Fred “Again” supports “Kiss Goodbye to MS,” an organisation dedicated to finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis and helping those, like Dad, who suffer daily.
Five years ago, during the first Fight Like Fred fundraiser, several friends and I ran 100km to raise funds for Kiss Goodbye to MS. This time, I’m raising the stakes by taking on a 100-mile run. The race is called Ultra Trail Australia, which involves running 161km while climbing over 7000 vertical meters through the Blue Mountains in NSW, starting on 15th May 2026. Completing the event is expected to take me an estimated 30+ hours of continuous running, yikes!
My Dad loved keeping active, and I feel this is a fitting way to honor a man who would have loved to participate in such an event himself. Like many others, his body wouldn’t allow it, and therefore, we will move to support those who, unfortunately, cannot.
We know it’s tough enough to buy groceries these days, but my family and I would be grateful for any support you can give, whether by sharing our links and story, making a donation, offering a corporate sponsorship (we're happy to promote businesses on our socials), holding a bake sale at work, or helping spread awareness about this terrible disease and the urgent need for a cure.
You can find out more and track our progress/training at the following links where we’ll be posting updates regularly.
Please reach out if you’d like to be involved.
Thanks for reading
Joel & Family.
My Achievements
Thank you to my Sponsors
$300
Gayle Van Oosten
$211
Kevin
Good luck mate. Hope the knees hold out.
$211
Jenny E
Joel, you're just so like your father - bloody obstinate, strong minded, filled with determination and a mighty good bloke - Freddie would be so proud of you.
$206.20
Madelyn
You are inspirational Joel
$200
Charles Baulch
$133.99
Claudia Machado
Dear Joel, Thank you for sharing your story and for letting us be part of something so meaningful. I wanted to say how inspiring it is to see the way you’re honoring your dad. This is an incredible challenge, and the purpose behind it makes it even more powerful. I want my son to be like you when he grow up :) I’ve made a donation to support you and your family and I hope it helps in some small way as you work to raise awareness and contribute to finding a cure. What you’re doing is truly admirable, and I am extremely proud of you. Wishing you all the best with your training. We will all be cheering you on from here. Lots of love and warm wishes your way Claudia
$106.12
Lauren Van Oosten
$1 per mile doesn't seem enough to express my admiration for what you are doing in memory of Fred. I can't wait to cheer you on. Love Loz xxx
$106.12
Nathan And Tommy
Good luck! What an inspiration!
$103.72
Carly Little
Good on ya Joel. You are a machine. I know you can do this and Fred would be so so proud. Carly x
$100
Charlotte & Danni
Well done Bro. We are very proud of you xx
$100
Ali
Joel, You are Bonkers running that far! But it is for an incredibly good cause. I am sure Rex is enjoying the training hikes.
$68.87
Little Thuy
You got this Joel... We are so proud of your determination! Bless your beloved Daddy spirit. Sir Fred you would be so proud of your son! We are too being his colleagues/peers/supporter for his incredible journey of good doing!
$68.87
Kelvin T Appadu
Best of luck Joel and family! You'll crush it.
$68.87
Annika Howells
What a huge challenge for such an amazing cause!! Best of luck!!
$68.87
Adriana Bainbridge
What an incredible way to honour your Dad, Joel. I don't envy the amount of training that is ahead of you but am in awe of your undertaking. All the very best xo
$68.87
Ian Wright
Good luck Joel
$64
Anonymous
$54.12
Shawn Hampson
Good cause Joel, it was sad to hear of your dad passing away. Good luck with the run, I am sure that you will smash it.. BTW, i will be thinking you while I complete my gruelling 8km run..
$54.12
Shannon Davison
JMan you're an inspiration to us all and your Dad would be so proud. Go kill that trail!!
$50
Annelou Ringers
So proud of ya mate! This is massive and can't believe someone can actually run this far! Great cause and I am sure your dad would have been so proud of you as well! :) Best of luck with the race! #RUNFORESTRUN x Dutchie!
$40
Clara Morgan
Great cause Joel - you got this! 🏃
$39.35
Katie Hurst
Amazing effort Joel! Good luck!
$33.15
Andrea Collins
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad, Joel. Look forward to hearing how the 100 mile ultra goes!
$22.58
Vanessa Burn
this is a great thing you are doing Joel. well done!
$20
Calum, Jen & Millie
Well done Joel, and good luck!
Dad would be so proud of you and your commitment to find a cure for MS. Stay strong & go hard, I will be cheering you on from afar.