Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
A MOUNT Gambier grandmother will soon hit the open road to raise money for regional charity Stand Like Stone.
Desiree Lobley will walk from Penola to Mount Gambier this month in her journey to raise money for disadvantaged people in the community.
Dusting off her walking shoes and armed with a philanthropic and positive attitude, the sprightly 73 year old is stepping out of her comfort zone for the four-day trek along the Riddoch Highway.
Ms Lobley – who has handed out collection tins across Mount Gambier’s central business district – said she was grateful to be in good health to undertake the walk.
“While I am still able to live an active lifestyle, I would like to put something back into the community,” she said.
Ms Lobley’s story is even more remarkable given she was recently hit with debilitating arthritis symptoms, which limited her everyday activities.
Remarkably, she has now seen those symptoms ease.
“I am allowing myself a window of five days to complete the distance of more than 50km, but I aim to do it in four days,” she explained.
Ms Lobley has called for community and regional business sector support in her quest to raise money for charity.
“Given my age, it is always possible that I may fall flat on my face, but I am willing to take that risk because I figure as long as I fall on my face at least that means I was moving forward at the time,” she said.
Ms Lobley will have her family as a support crew during her journey along the road corridor.
The determined grandmother also revealed she was not worried about the possibility of inclement weather during her trip.
“I will just put on some wet weather gear,” she said.
Stand Like Stone executive officer Georgie McKay praised Ms Lobley for her efforts to raise money for the organisation.
“Stand Like Stone is grateful for Desiree’s philanthropic actions,” Ms McKay said.
“We wish Desiree the very best for her walk and thank the extended community for their support of her endeavours.”
Stand Like Stone is a dynamic foundation serving the Limestone Coast.
The charity offers grants for charitable projects and offers educational scholarships to students.
Ms Lobley will head off from the Penola IGA supermarket carpark on Thursday, April 25, at 10am.
She hopes to arrive at the Cave Gardens in Mount Gambier on the Sunday afternoon.
Contact Stand Like Stone on 8721 0480 or visit standlikestone.com.au to make a donation.
