Local Naomi Moreland has been getting her steps up for a good cause, walking 200km during March and hosting a walk-a-thon to fundraise for the Cancer Council.

Ms Moreland participated in the Cancer Council March Charge – which raises funds for life-saving cancer research – drawing inspiration from family members who have been affected by cancer.

She lost her mum to lung cancer at 57 who had never smoked, lost her dad to bowel cancer a few years later at 60 and her father-in-law to oesophageal cancer five years ago.

Her husband was also diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last year, but fortunately received the all-clear.

“I wanted something positive to be able to come out of the experience and to be able to give back somehow, so when I saw an ad for the March Charge, it seemed the perfect opportunity,” Ms Moreland said.

Ms Moreland set herself a goal to walk 200km during March and fundraise $1000.

She has now completed the distance and raised over $7000, which she said had “blown her away”.

During her recent walk-a-thon at Tantanoola Football Club, Ms Moreland completed 60 laps of the oval in six hours, equivalent to 28.5km.

She said she received amazing support, with her husband waiting at the finish line and people joining her on laps.

“I did the first three laps on my own and from then on I did not walk by myself all day,” she said.

During the walk-a-thon she wore her mum’s wedding ring, her father-in-law’s fishing hat and a photo of her dad was sitting on the bar waiting to have a drink with her afterwards.

By the end of lap 58, Ms Moreland had cramps in her legs and she was exhausted, however after everyone joined her on lap 59, she was filled with energy and determined to make it 60.

Ms Moreland thanked the Tantanoola Football Club for their support, Grantville Butchers for donating the BBQ meat, Blue Lake Golf Links, Best Taste Scenario, C and T Lucas Family Apiary and the Tantanoola Tiger Hotel.

She also thanked Spot on Fishing for their support with the raffle and Moreland Holdings for their donation.

“The support from the community at Tantanoola has been amazing, the football club has been absolutely amazing, I’m a bit blown away at the support I have received to be honest,” Ms Moreland said.

People can donate until the end of March via themarchcharge.com.au/fundraisers/naomimoreland or visit Nomes’ March Charge on Facebook.