After 30 hours and 100 kilometres Team 52 representing Fantech proudly hobbled across the finish line in Oxfam’s Trailwalker. The event challenge teams of four to walk (or run) the 100km trail through Australian bush in less than 48 hours and commit to raising at least $1000 for Oxfam’s charity.

This year more than 720 teams lined up at the starting line at Jells Park in Wheelers Hill and trekked across three national parks to finish at Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley. Among them was Team 52, the Frail Crusaders comprising Christine Thompson, Karen Griffith, Paul Menara and Peter Lorenc.

The team began training on 2 February with the first group walk. Over the coming months they showed their dedication, giving up weekends to familiarise themselves with the trial with half day and later full day walks that began with the alarm ringing at 2am.

At 10am on 16 April the Frail Crusaders set off on their journey. “The walk was as much a mental strain as a physical strain,” Pete said. “We had to cross each of the checkpoints as a team and the camaraderie developed during the training walks was a great help to keep up team morale particularly when one of the team members came down with gastro mid-race and towards the end when blisters and weary muscles began to take their toll.

“Despite these lows, the team pulled through and we found the whole experience very rewarding ad look forward to next year’s event.”

Pete said it was a great opportunity to keep fit and healthy while raising money for a good cause. “We aimed to raise $3000, but through the generous support of companies like Offshore Engineering, Thomas Warburton and Uniair Distributors who each donated $500, CMG Engineering ($250) and Fantech ($245) and individuals like Kevin Cornell ($400) and Jack Pirie ($200) we actually raised $5223.

“The money helps ease the pain and suffering of poverty by providing clean water, shelter and food to people in need.”

This year’s event raised $2,939,057 for Oxfam’s programs.