Mr Greste remains convicted of terrorism-related charges in Egypt, but last week received positive news regarding a potential full pardon after Foreign Minister Julie Bishop had an informal meeting with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Mr Hodgson became involved in the case after being contacted by a mutual friend of Mr Greste after his arrest.

The 35-year-old offered his services to the Greste family, helping forge legal contacts in Egypt, assisting in travel arrangements to visit his Cairo prison, and providing emotional support.

Having previous Egyptian experience as a senior advocate with Foreign Prisoners Support Service (FPSS), Mr Hodgson was sure legal avenues would lead nowhere.

"From day one I focused on building diplomatic pressure by using contacts in the US at a congressional level to pressure their counterparts in Egypt," he said.

"Freedom of the press is such a fundamental issue, and if journalists can be taken off the streets for simply doing their job then it can and will happen to anyone."

Mr Hodsgon said working with family members of people imprisoned abroad is about remaining positive while being available all hours of the day.

"I assured them that I'll be there until we get Peter [Greste] back to Australia, because I think there is a level of comfort provided to people by letting them know they aren't alone," he said.

Many a late night was spent fostering relationships with law makers and promoting the case with Egyptian officials at every possible opportunity.

"It's about being a thorn in their side and maintaining that pressure," he said.

In recognition of Mr Hodgson's tireless work, Mr Greste is donating all proceeds of his new book to FPSS.