By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
THROUGH the wind and rain a team of more than 200 people joined MP Greg Hunt on his walk for autism.
The last few steps of his 500-kilometre walk from Flinders to Cowes were taken last week (Friday, 7 August) after 19 days on the road.
“We have exceeded the $25,000 target we set at the beginning of the walk,” Mr Hunt said.
Joined by walkers as young as five years old, Mr Hunt walked alongside Marilyn Myszka for much of the journey.
“Marilyn has a son with autism and she walked more than 200 kilometres and it was a pleasure to have her with me,” he said.
Mr Hunt said he was joined by many people touched by autism and said ‘they all do a fantastic job bringing up these beautiful children.’
“With more than 230,000 Australians affected by autism, most people know someone who is impacted, whether it is a son or daughter, nephew, brother, aunt, grandchild, friend or colleague,” he said.
With donations still rolling in, more than $60,000 has been raised for the Amaze (Autism Victoria) and Abacus Learning Centre in Hastings.
“It has been a rewarding and at times emotional experience.
“I have heard many stories of the difficulties faced by local families caring for a child with autism, which is what first inspired me to take on this walk,” he said.
