When Laura Ryan reached out to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, she wasn’t just coming with an idea — she came with a mission.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, Laura experienced first-hand the strength of our local cancer care services — from our incredible nurses and oncologists to our physiotherapists and support teams. But she also saw a gap.
While she received excellent physio support and general exercise guidelines, there was no one to safely guide her through how to move her body during chemo, post-mastectomy, or even just on a bad fatigue day.
That’s when she knew something needed to change.
“I really wanted to see exercise physiology services included in the new Regional Cancer Centre,” Laura said. “It should be a core part of cancer treatment.”
So, she got to work. And Trek the Trail was born — a two-day, 75km fundraising hike along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The challenge? 75 hikers, raising $75,000, to bring this vital service to life.
Now almost at the $55,000 mark, Laura’s vision is well on its way.
From training hikes through Toowoomba and Highfields to pushing through the discomfort of surgery recovery, Laura’s determination has inspired not only her fellow trekkers but our whole community.
“I did a 20km hike just three weeks after my most recent surgery. My scar was not happy about it, but I knew I had to keep going,” she said. “This is bigger than me. Everyone is touched by cancer in some way — if I can change that experience for someone in the future, then why wouldn’t I?”
Trek the Trail is now fully booked with a waitlist already growing — a clear sign that this community believes in what Laura is doing. And so do we.
Every step Laura takes is a step toward better cancer care in our region. Join her mission.
