Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
A JUBILANT Desiree Lobley threw her arms in the air when crossing the finish line after walking from Penola to raise money for charity.
While her walking shoes have been left in tatters, the grandmother’s resolve to walk from Penola to the Blue Lake city never stumbled.
Dusting off any apprehension, a determined Ms Lobley, 73, hit the Riddoch Highway on Anzac Day and arrived at the Cave Gardens in the Blue Lake city on Sunday afternoon.
Stand Like Stone executive officer Georgie McKay yesterday praised Desiree’s community spirit and generosity.
She said Desiree’s determination to undertake the walk was remarkable given her past health issues, which included the need to use walking aids.
“Her efforts were not as much about raising funds, but generosity of spirit and giving back to the community,” Ms McKay said.
Conceding the foundation initially harboured concerns for Desiree’s health, Ms McKay said she received the go ahead from doctors.
“Desiree managed to get on top of her health issues and is now feeling fit, healthy and on top of the world and wants to give something back to her local community,” she said.
Making the walk relatively unaided, Ms McKay said Ms Lobley undertook the walk with a “smile on her face” and was happy speaking to people along the way.
“Desiree is a terrific example for others in the community,” she said.
Speaking to The Border Watch yesterday, Ms Lobley said she hoped to raise around $1500 from the walk.
“My feet are fine. I have a sore toe with a little blister, but I just put some ointment on it and taped it up and kept walking,” she said.
“I am totally thrilled with how it went, I have already started planning to do it again next year.”
Ms Lobley revealed the most difficult part of her journey was during windy conditions, not so much any rain.
“I am happy I achieved it – I have no regrets.
“All of my kids and grand kids were with me in the end – some walked in with me from the Kalganyi Holiday Park,” she added.
“My badge of honour are my walking shoes – they are totally collapsed. I look at them and think ‘we did it’.”
Ms Lobley – who had her family as a support crew – said she only wore one pair of shoes during the four day journey.
“While I am able to still live an active lifestyle, I would like to put something back into the local community,” she said.
Ms Lobley revealed she maintained around five kilometres per hour over the journey.
Her story is inspiring as she was previously hit with debilitating arthritis symptoms, which limited her everyday activities.
Fortunately, Ms Lobley has now seen the symptoms ease.
People wishing to donate should visit standlikestone.com.au or contact Stand Like Stone on 8721 0480.
