Busselton hikers complete 1000km Bibbulmun Track for Hero Hunter Foundation and Wheelchairs for Kids

Two South West women completed the Bibbulmun Track on Sunday, arriving in Albany after 63 days of walking for a good cause.

Friends Debbie Lorking and Annamarie Threlfall set out from Kalamunda in April to tackle the 1000km hiking trail, and reached the Albany terminus just before midday on Sunday.

“The whole experience was just so amazing,” Ms Threlfall said on her arrival at the finish line.

“I had no idea how beautiful WA was and how different the different sections are and we just feel blessed, we feel so fortunate to have even been able to have this opportunity to do it.”

The trek was a fundraiser for two charities — Wheelchairs for Kids and the Hero Hunter Foundation — and has so far raised more than $10,000.

The Busselton duo were met by a group of supporters at the finish line including Kate Bettenay, who founded the Hero Hunter Foundation in honour of her late son Hunter Leigh Madden.

He died from leukaemia last September, aged 8, after battling the disease for five years.

The hikers had an emotional reunion with Ms Bettenay who carried a teddy bear containing some of her son’s ashes.

“I’m in absolute awe of these women,” Ms Bettenay said.

“They have showed me strength and courage, just doing something in Hunter’s honour, it’s just such a blessing to us that people are doing this for him.”

Ms Lorking and Ms Threlfall also carried a wheelchair wheel with them during the trek which was presented to a Wheelchairs for Kids representative.

To donate to Hero Hunter Foundation, visit bit.ly/3On22XP.

To donate to Wheelchairs for Kids, visit bit.ly/3xWcjn9.