Amanda Gibson, Linda Farnan, Lara Cann, and Lesley Taeuber are training for the Trailwalker. 59520
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
A GROUP of Woori Yallock bankers are getting together to tackle the annual Oxfam Trailwalker.
More than 700 teams of four will walk the 100km trail from Jells Park in Wheelers Hill to Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley on the first weekend of April.
The fundraiser goes towards Oxfam’s mission to overcome poverty and suffering around the world.
Woori Yallock Community Bank workers Amanda Gibson, Linda Farnan, and Lesley Taeuber, joined by Healesville swim coach Lara Cann, said they were hoping to complete the walk in less than 30 hours of the 48-hour event.
“That was the deal – the bank would help us fundraise and we have to be back at work on the Monday,” Linda said.
Both Amanda and Linda have volunteered at the checkpoints on previous years, handing out food and drinks to the passing walkers.
“It’s really inspiring to see some of the 80-year-olds walking past,” Amanda said.
“We all live so close to the trail and watch them in awe.”
Every year the women have said they would take part, and last year they made up their minds.
“Our families think we’re crazy,” said Lesley.
The team of women plan to get through the 30 hours with good banter, loud iPods and a crew of family and friends supporting them at the checkpoints.
Amanda said that iPods were a must, “and maybe handcuffs and rope to tie everyone together”.
She said the walk was about the motivation to get fit and keep fit.
“Anyone can do this and you just need the motivation rather than being an athlete,” she said.
Linda, Lesley and Amanda all have three children each, and have been getting out when they could get the kids looked after. Linda said they often “get out on their own to get the kilometres up”.
The team is being sponsored the entry fee by Bendigo Bank and their local branch, and will concentrate on fundraising until the event.
They are selling team wristbands, chocolates and lollies in the Woori Yallock Community Bank and at the Healesville swimming pool, and will hold a sausage sizzle on 13 February at the Yarra Junction market.
Woori Yallock businesses have all donated bread and sausages for the sizzle, but Amanda and Linda are putting out a challenge. They will shave their heads if a group of businesses could get together, “or a very generous individual,” added Linda, and sponsor them for $5000.
Anyone who would like to support the group can follow them on the Oxfam Australia Trailwalker website under the team name “Just Shoot Me” or team number 44.
