Don't look down! Oprah Winfrey climbs Sydney Harbour Bridge with 249 others in record

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

High point: Oprah on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge today


Oprah Winfrey celebrated being named the most charitable celebrity by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge today - with 249 other people.

The U.S. television host and best friend Gayle King joined the biggest ever group to climb to the top of the famous landmark.

Oprah is taking her talk show Australia for two special shows in its 25th and final season - and she took 300 U.S. audience members with her.



Don't look down: Oprah on top of the bridge - 249 others were up there at the same time


A massive party and fireworks display was put on for her during her visit before she launches her own network OWN next month.

And today the talk show queen topped The Giving Back Fund list after donating more than $40 million (£25.5m) to good causes, primarily through the Oprah Winfrey Foundation.

It helps causes including education and programs for women and children, according to a national philanthropic group.


Hitting the heights: Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King at the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia


What a view: The record breakers on top of the bridge (left and right)


Novelist Nora Roberts came second, donating $4.45 million (£12.7m) to the Nora Roberts Foundation to support literacy in underserved communities.

'There are many generous celebrities, but when you can top a list of celebrity philanthropists three out of four years, as Oprah has, that is saying something,' said Marc Pollick, president of The Giving Back Fund.

The contributions were made in 2009 - the most recent year that financial information was available.

The Giving Back Fund does not count pledges or promises to donate or donations to public charities, which are not publicly disclosed.


Big draw: Oprah (right, in yellow) speaks to the media while hundreds of fans look on after having lunch


Nice to see you: Oprah (centre) greets fans after climbing the bridge


Waving: Oprah greets fans after exiting the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb


Oprah Climbs Sydney Bridge



source: dailymail