Sea of red in Stanthorpe

A sea of red snaked its way along Quart Pot Creek on Sunday morning as 540 people turned out for the inaugural Walk for Daniel in Stanthorpe.
There were men, women and children, young and old alike, and a large number of four-legged friends pacing out the three-kilometre walk in memory of Daniel Morcombe.
A chance comment on Facebook by Natalie Raccanello started the ball rolling.
“I just mentioned on Facebook that it would be good if Stanthorpe could hold its own walk for Daniel,” Mrs Raccanello said.
Along with good friend Fiona Kelly, the pair set about contacting friends and making plans.  “Everyone we spoke with was really supportive and it just snowballed from there,” Mrs Raccanello said.
The pair pounded the pave-ments in Stanthorpe, handing out flyers and contacting friends and colleagues.
They also sold merchandise throughout last week and placed donation boxes in several Stanthorpe businesses.
Those who participated in the walk were asked for a gold coin donation and the ladies arranged a sausage sizzle in conjunction with the walk.
All up, Mrs Raccanello said, they raised a total of $3480 for the Daniel Morcombe foundation.
“It was just an amazing sight to see so many people walking along the creek path all decked out in red,” she said.
“We were thrilled that such a great crowd turned out. I think Stanthorpe can be very proud of the effort.”
When asked if the walk would become an annual event, Mrs Raccanello said, she and her group of friends were already discussing the possibility and making plans for next year.
St Joseph’s School and the Stanthorpe State School both held their Day for Daniel last Friday.