If you happen to spot three women traversing the Southern Highlands this week, they aren't locals out for quick stroll, instead passing through on an epic 500km journey.
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Darelle Ratcliff and two of her daughters, Ellie and Tayla, are embarking on a 17-day trek from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to her hometown of West Wyalong.
It's all in the name of raising much-needed funds for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, with the group currently sitting on an impressive $32,500.
It's a cause close to Darelle's heart and one that is still very raw for the family as they put one foot in front of the other.
"Unfortunately I've lost both my parents to dementia and just the suffering they and the family went through was incredible," she told the News.
"I only lost dad about three weeks ago, he was going to be at the finish line. Back in 2020 one of my daughters let's do something for dementia research.
"It's so cruel on so many levels. My mum and dad worked so hard all their lives, mum was only 67 when she was diagnosed. They had bought a caravan and were ready to the next 10-15 years of their life, enjoying what they had created and that was taken away."
The trio, who are aiming for an overall target of $50,000, travelled from Mittagong to Sutton Forest on Monday and will make it to Goulburn by Wednesday.
They stopped into one of their major sponsors, One Agency, in Bowral on Monday morning and said they were enjoying the Highland food and coffee as they take in the region.
"We've been walking along the Old Hume Highway a bit today, we had to get off it a few times because it was a bit dangerous," Darelle said.
"What we could see was beautiful. Walking into Bowral this morning was incredible."
Aside from fundraising, the group want people they meet to come away with one simple message.
"We believe that everyone as they get older needs to keep moving, she said.
"It's good for the body and mind.
"If you stop, you lose it."
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