A family is preparing to take the final steps on their 470-kilometre journey for their mother and wife as she endures the fight of her life alongside them.
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Former Temora resident Patricia Rainbow-Noack suffers from a life-threatening incurable disease called scleroderma.
The disease forces Ms Rainbow-Noack’s skin to multiply and her limbs to seize, affecting her internal organs.
In a bid to raise awareness and funds for the disease, her family left Sydney last month for Ariah Park, expecting to walk 500,000 steps on the way.
On Wednesday, the family will pass through the Riverina as they near the end of what daughter Tamara Kennedy said was a challenging journey.
“I think it’s going to be incredibly emotional when we reach the end,” Mrs Kennedy said.
“This walk has really shown us how generous people can be, especially in small country towns.
“It’s opened our eyes and I tell you what – we’ll never say no to a donation tin again.”
The “backbone” of the family, Mrs Rainbow-Noack refused to let her family go it alone, driven in a car behind her husband, daughter and son-in-law.
“Mum is really proud of us and she tells us all the time,” Mrs Kennedy said.
“Our mission was to raise awareness and by telling her story across the country we’ve done that.”
With more than 500 followers on social media, countless cars tooting them on and more than $25,000 worth of donations, Mrs Kennedy said support has “blown them away”.
“After all this hard work I think we’ll shed some tears,” she said.