Long, long walk of friendship

By Bridget Cook
TWO friends have returned from a trek along the Australian Alps Walking Track which they undertook in memory of a friend.
Trevor Williams and Sharelle Cameron spent 57 days to walk 680 kilometres from Tharwa near Canberra, to Walhalla, Victoria, in the name of their good friend Diane Elston who died in May 2008.
The journey raised more than $25,000 for Diabetes Australia – Victoria for research, education and to raise awareness about organ donation.
Diane passed away at just 24. She had type one diabetes which led to kidney and pancreas failure and debilitating strokes.
Diane grew up in Pakenham and had nearly completed a diploma in education before she died.
Although Diane lost her battle, it was her courage, strength and pure determination that inspired Mr Williams and Ms Cameron to continue her fight against diabetes.
Olive Elston, Diane’s mother, wrote a poem before they set off in order to give the pair inspiration to push through the hard parts of the walk.
One sentence of it read, “when Walhalla is within your sight, and the end is drawing nigh, believe that in this effort you have made, Di Elston has never died.”
Mr Williams and Ms Cameron finished their journey on 29 December and were welcomed by their own friends and relatives, as well as some of Diane’s.
Mr Williams said it was harder than they expected but it was a great experience.
They originally set a target to raise $10,000, something they exceeded in just the first fundraising night, held last August.
They will share their experience at Strzelecki Bushwalking Club on 8 April at 7.30pm. People can still make a donation by searching for the Di Elston Hike for Diabetes at www.mycause.com.au