A stretch of State Highway 1 just north of Bulls brought back special memories for Sally Blackler on Tuesday.
In 2004 her late husband Nathan covered the same route on a walk from Auckland to Burnham military camp which raised $65,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation.
Sergeant Blackler was a physical training instructor with the NZ Army and was in remission from cancer at the time. Unfortunately the cancer returned and he died in March, 2007.
But late last month Mrs Blackler set off on the same 1000km-plus walk and as she neared Bulls on Tuesday she and her support crew had collected more than $20,000 for CanTeen.
She said the death of her husband had been a huge motivator for her and on Tuesday she recalled the 350km of the journey she made with him.
"One of those sections was this stretch we're doing today so it's very special remembering what I did with Nathan. It brings back lovely memories," she said.
So far the walk has been going smoothly with the walkers covering about 30km a day. They have scheduled seven rest days along the way and one of those was Easter Monday.
Mrs Blackler said she had only one pair of shoes for the trip but everything was going well, with 420km covered so far. Another 594km and Ms Blackler and her supporters will reach their destination at Burnham on May 1.
"We've been amazed at the number of people who're stopping along the way to give us money. They've been wonderful," she said.
"All we raise goes to CanTeen to help those young ones with cancer and their families," she said.
Tuesday's walk started in Marton and ended at Awahuri.
Aside from the fundraising, Mrs Blackler said the walk was a great way to see the country.
"The changing scenery down the country has been wonderful too. It makes you feel lucky to be alive on such a day."
The walkers are calling themselves Sisters in Arms and one of those walking beside Mrs Blackler is her good friend and workmate, Corporal Natasha Donaldson.
Mrs Blackler, a social worker for Challenge 2000 and Youth Development Unit South, said she had so much admiration for the way young people tackled cancer, so selecting CanTeen for the fundraiser was not a difficult decision.
Joining the walkers on Tuesday was a group of Air Force personnel, headed by Group Captain Darren Webb from the Ohakea base, who handed over money raised for the cause.
Donations can be made direct to Sisters in Arms, or by calling 0900 4 CANTEEN to make a $20 donation. For more information, visit the fundraising group's website: www.sistersinarms.co.nz