It was fantastic to finally reach Cowes Jetty on Friday, August 7 after 19 days on the road and 500km.
I want to thank Cowes Primary School, the last of 56 schools visited along the way, for the warm welcome on Friday morning.
Throughout the course of the walk, I was joined by more than 200 people, including primary school students, kindergarten children, grandparents, mums, dads, and members of the community.
It was terrific to be able to be joined by so many people, united in supporting a worthy cause.
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.
For much of the walk I was joined by Marilyn Myszka, a Somerville mother who has a son with autism. She walked more than 200 kilometers and it was a pleasure to have her with me.
I was also joined on the walk by mothers, fathers and grandparents who all do a fantastic job bringing up these beautiful children with autism.
We have exceeded the $25,000 target we set at the beginning of the walk.
At this stage more than $60,000 has been raised, with more donations still to come.
I am pleased that we were able to visit 56 schools in the Flinders electorate to raise awareness and teach students about being a friend to someone with autism.
Collectively, the schools helped contribute more than $10,000 to the walk.
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.
Donations came from local residents, schools, pre-schools, businesses, service clubs, sporting clubs and philanthropic organisations.
I would like to thank everyone who made a donation or took part in the walk. Your support has been tremendous.
Donations can still be made online through greghunt.com.au
All funds raised during the course of the walk will go to Amaze (Autism Victoria) and Abacus Learning Centre in Hastings.
Abacus will also host its annual gala dinner fundraiser this Saturday August 15.
There will be some fabulous auction items up for grabs, including overseas getaways, a private cocktail party and a family trip to Mt Hotham as well as raffles and door prizes.
Tickets can be purchased directly from Abacus’ website at www.abacuslearning.org.au