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Epic trek from Kalamunda to Albany raises close to $10,000 for Alzheimer’s WA

Headshot of Sarah Makse
Sarah MakseAlbany Advertiser
Alzheimer’s WA chair Warren Harding, fundraiser Bruce Mullan, Hawthorn House team leader Lorraine Benson and chief executive Ella Dachs.
Camera IconAlzheimer’s WA chair Warren Harding, fundraiser Bruce Mullan, Hawthorn House team leader Lorraine Benson and chief executive Ella Dachs. Credit: Sarah Makse/ Albany Advertiser

Perth man Bruce Mullan celebrated the end of his 1000km walk along the Bibbulmun Track for Alzheimer’s WA at Albany’s Hawthorn House last week after 49 days in the bush.

In several legs, starting with day trips and finishing with a four-week push, Dr Mullan made it to the finish line at Albany’s new southern trail terminus on Wednesday.

Dr Mullan made his way from Kalamunda to Albany over three months, raising close to $10,000 for people living with dementia.

It is a cause close to Dr Mullan’s heart as he watches his 58-year-old younger sister face life with early-onset dementia.

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“When something like that affects someone who is otherwise just so intelligent and just such a good mother ... it is just so sad,” he said.

Bruce Mullan at the end of his walk for Alzheimer's WA.
Camera IconBruce Mullan at the end of his walk for Alzheimer's WA. Credit: Supplied

“So it will be nice to think this will make a contribution to either perhaps a cure, but also caring for people.” Dr Mullan was welcomed by Alzheimer’s WA chief executive Ella Dachs at a celebratory lunch at Hawthorn House last Thursday.

He said it was bittersweet to finish his journey and he would miss the alarm clock of birds in the early mornings on the trail.

“It was partly relief because you think, ‘I have done it’ and you get a bit tired of sleeping in a sleeping bag,” he said.

“But it’s also sadness, really, because you think there were so many nice times out there.

“Every day had its challenges, whether it was going up a hill or going through flooded areas where you were knee-deep in water, mosquitoes and snakes.

“But then every day you turn the corner and you see the ocean, or you wake up at 5am to the bird life.”

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