16/06/2026
What an incredible journey 👏
Bruce and Wendy Blanchard have officially completed their 600km walk from Perth to Kalgoorlie, raising over $21,000 for charity along the way.
With 4am starts, 30-40km days and 10km stretches logged at a time, it was no small feat 💪
After a well-deserved rest (and some very tired feet!), Bruce is already looking forward to getting back into the pool for his regular walking sessions at the MARC 🧡
Read their story again below 👇
At the MARC, every person has a story, and together, these stories create a vibrant, connected community. On the first Wednesday of each month, we share a new story, highlighting the incredible people who make the MARC a great place to be. This month, we meet Bruce and his wife Wendy.
"I’m legally blind and profoundly deaf – and when you read this, I’ll be walking 600 kilometres from Perth to Kalgoorlie with my wife, Wendy, by my side.
Losing both vision and hearing changes how you experience the world. My hearing loss came from years of industrial work, and my eyesight continues to deteriorate. I know that one day I’ll be totally blind. That’s not always easy to accept, but I’ve learned to focus on what I can do, not what I’ve lost.
That mindset is what led me to this walk. I’m a retired police officer, and for part of my career, I was stationed at Kalgoorlie. This journey back to Kalgoorlie has been on my bucket list for years. Eventually, I decided it was time to stop thinking about it and start walking. I can manage around 20 kilometres a day and have pushed myself to 30. It hasn’t been easy, especially with arthritis and flat feet, but I’m determined to finish. I’ve even packed crutches, just in case.
I’m doing this walk for three reasons: to challenge myself, to encourage others, especially people living with disability or those my age, and to raise funds for Sozo Life; a Thai charity that supports women and children escaping domestic violence.
Preparing at the MARC has been a huge part of this journey. Walking in the pool has helped me build strength without putting too much strain on my body, and just as importantly, the MARC has given me a strong sense of community. The staff here are outstanding - welcoming, supportive, and always looking out for me. That means a lot when you’re living with vision and hearing impairment.
When I’m out walking, I’m constantly reminded of people’s kindness. Strangers offer help, encouragement, or just a friendly check‑in. It restores your faith in humanity.
But none of this would be possible without Wendy. She’s the engine room behind everything, from planning and logistics to meals… she’s alongside me every step of the way. Our family support has been incredible too.
This walk is hard. Doing it with vision and hearing loss makes it harder. But challenges don’t define us, it’s how we respond to them."
You can follow Bruce’s Big Walk to Kalgoorlie and track his journey with Wendy via his page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17WVFxtaHG/