Ray Ernst, Tracey Parker, Aimy, Claudia and Will Thorne with Valerie Newall.
The community’s unbelievable backing of Aimy Thorne and her marathon walk from Broken Hill to Wellington has showcased another inspirational story in a small hairdressing shop.
Ray Ernst who saw the story in the Wellington Times 12 months ago decided to join the walk and now has his hair red “the colour of the walk campaign”.
“Yes seeing the story of the three women walking for our children inspired me. People doing this for our kids’ future inspires me so I got my brown hair dyed red to show I am supporting this cause,’’ Mr Ernst said.
A local hairdresser Tracey Parker said the intense red was a headline look for a marvellous cause and she enjoyed doing her bit.
“He was very excited to be doing this and I have donated my cost to the walk. I think the girls and Ray are fantastic,” she said.
Aimy Thorne was awestruck by Mr Ernst’s efforts.
“He is a remarkable supporter and has remarkable dedication. He is going the extra step and mile for this and we can’t thank him enough,” she said.
Will Thorne the little boy behind Aimy Thorne’s walk to raise awareness for facilities for rural and remote autism believes Mr Ernst is game.
“It’s pretty funny actually, a really good job,” he said.
Gail Mohr who saw Ms Thorne in the street and who is a grandmother and carer for an eight-year-old child suffering from autism congratulated the women.
“I think its fabulous and courageous. I will be there to meet you on August 4, we need facilities for autism in the central west. I hope the politicians hear our plea,” she told Ms Thorne.
Little towns along the way continue to come up with innovations to help, Trangie service clubs are working on welcoming the walkers while schools in Cobar, Wilcannia and Nyngan will welcome the trio to their towns. Geurie has backed the walk with a concert with singers at the hall on August 3 organised by the Lions Club.
“It’s our pleasure to celebrate the achievement of this walk with everybody in Geurie prepared to come out and support the walkers’’ Peter Perry president of the Geurie Lions Club said.
“We are expecting a very big crowd,” he said.
Wellington Council Technical Services Director Owen Johns has been thanked for organising the logistics together with police in all regions and the roads and maritime services.
“Owen, the mayor of Wellington and the general manager of the council have been incredible. Owen has gone to great lengths to ensure this is managed well and what a job he has done,” Ms Thorne said.
The walkers and their support crew will be met by the people of Wellington on August 4 at Cameron Park; many of those will walk the final few kilometres of the journey together with the member for Orange Andrew Gee, the local police senior sergeant and mayor.
The State Emergency Service’s Sonsera Bowles has also indicated the group will marshall the town’s folk at the market square so they can join the walkers for the last part of the 800km trip.
The walk begins on July 18 with Broken Hill mayor Wincen Cuy sending the walkers on their way in a civic celebration.