While 2020 has been a challenging year for most, it took a turn for the worse right from the get-go for the Barton family.
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On New Year's Day, Wodonga netballer Jess Barton received news that her father, Glenn, had had a stroke.
The 57-year-old had to learn how to walk again after having his mobility and independence impacted as a result.
"2020 started off pretty ordinary before everything else followed," Miss Barton said.
"It was just all-round a challenging year.
"But in saying that, we are extremely lucky to have the family and friends that we have."
With the year now winding up, Miss Barton and her father decided to set a challenge that would not only see them reach personal goals, but also give back to others.
The pair traveled a combined total of 165 kilometres by foot over a month to raise money for the Stroke Foundation.
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Miss Barton ran 150km, while Mr Barton walked 15km to raise over $6,600 between them.
"The main aim of it was to raise money to go towards the Stroke Foundation for families and people who have had strokes, but haven't had the support that my family has been so lucky to receive," Miss Barton said.
"I set the challenge to dad and hinted for him to walk seven kilometres over the month, but being the stubborn man that he is, he said he'd do 15km.
"I've never seen dad so determined with something.
"He'd walk out to the cattle grid and back and do laps every day until he got to his count."
The family has been overwhelmed by the support they've received from groups such as the Wodonga Bulldogs Football and Netball Club and Charles Sturt University.
Often Miss Barton would be joined by fellow Bulldogs on her runs to help get her through, with the club also rallying to donate to the cause.
"All of those sub communities have been a shoulder to cry on," she said.
Miss Barton's mum, Leila, helped promote the pair's journey online throughout the challenge.
She also kept family and friends up to date with their progress, with Jess' brother Corey based in the Northern Territory.
Miss Barton admitted she's extremely proud of what her father has achieved this year, with the duo also learning to write left handed together.
"He's kicking goals every day," she said.
"Some days are challenging, like with anything, but he's one tough cookie.
"We're all proud of him.
"It was something we tried to do as a personal goal and motivator that turned into something a bit bigger.
"Dad said to me 'we'll do it again next year."
