Her five-year-old grandson Tristan has been diagnosed with Friedreich ataxia, a genetic disorder that causes progressive damage to the nervous system.

Given his diagnosis at such a young age, Ms Dowdell said the disease would be ‘’relentless and aggressive’’ and he is not expected to reach adulthood.

“It’s a rare neurological degenerative disease which affects the nerves that control the muscles,” she said.

“Tristan struggles with his co-ordination and has trouble with balance and walking but it will affect his sight, speech, hearing and eventually his heart, which will give out.”

Ms Dowdell met with another sufferer, Wollongong resident Nicholas Rousch, during the Wollongong stop of her walk late last week.

“Nicholas was diagnosed at 18 so his progression has been far slower,” she said.

“It’s been incredibly heartwarming to meet people like him along the way, and others who have made donations or cheered me on.”

Ms Dowdell aims to reach Melbourne by May 7. Her journey of 1100 kilometres will be broken up into about 20 kilometres each day.

During her journey, Ms Dowdell and her team will get to enjoy much of the Far South Coast.

She was scheduled to arrive in Narooma on Thursday and will be staying until Sunday morning when she then heads to Tathra.

From April 3-5, Tathra Beachside has provided the team with complementary accommodation.

The plan from there is to make it the Pambula Beach Big4 for Wed and Thursday nights, April 6-7.

While in Pambula, the Pambula-Merimbula Lions Club is planning to hold a fundraising morning tea.

Boydtown Big 4 is also on the agenda for April 8-9 and then Mallacoota Holiday Park on April 10-11.

Proceeds will go to the Friedreich Ataxia Research Association. Visit www.fatogo2016.com for details. 

The goal is $20,000 and as of Wednesday the campaign had passed $11,000.