A fundraising walk in Murrumba Downs has seen participants complete 3,433 laps in memory of Lawnton Girl Guide Madeline ‘Maddie’ Lawrence, with the event enabling a $7,000 donation to cancer charity Dreams2Live4.
The inaugural Tully’s Trek, held on 29 August, brought together members of Girl Guides Queensland’s Brisbane North and Glasshouse Regions to remember Maddie, affectionately known as Tully, who died following a battle with cancer.
Inspired by Relay for Life, the event involved sponsored laps to raise money for Dreams2Live4 and the newly established Tully’s Fund, which aims to help Guiding members continue participating when difficult circumstances place a financial strain on them.
From 104 Laps To A Head-Shaving Fundraiser
Among the participants was Olivia, who completed 104 laps, while Tayla raised $700 to become the highest individual walker fundraiser. Jasmin, who had been an Olave alongside Maddie, also contributed through a head-shaving fundraiser. Her GoFundMe campaign raised $2,086 from 38 donations towards a $2,500 target, supporting both Dreams2Live4 and the fund established in Maddie’s memory.
The day extended beyond the walking track, with face painting, friendship bracelet making, games, a photo booth and craft activities bringing participants together between laps. Organisers acknowledged the contributions of walkers, donors and volunteers, along with support from All Occasion by Nic, In2Adventure and Sunshine Coast First Aid Volunteers.
The Young Guide Behind The Name Tully
Maddie’s connection with Guiding began at five years old when she joined 3rd Lawnton Brownies, where she attended her first camp. She later progressed to 1st Lawnton Guides and Glasshouse Synergy Olaves, building friendships and taking part in camps, challenges and leadership activities. Her original Guiding name was Tullawong, meaning magpie. When she began leadership training at 18, fellow members shortened the name to Tully, which remained her nickname within the organisation.
As a Junior Leader, Maddie helped organise activities and encouraged younger Guides as they developed their skills. She continued participating in Guiding while living with terminal cancer and attended her final camp at 23. According to Jasmin’s fundraising campaign, Maddie died in 2025 from a rare melanoma. During her cancer journey, Dreams2Live4 helped Maddie fulfil a wish for a family holiday on a farm. The experience was later shared by Burpengary Girl Guides when encouraging donations to Tully’s Trek.
The charity supports eligible people living with advanced cancer and certain other serious cancer diagnoses by helping them pursue personal dreams. Maddie’s involvement in Guiding also shaped the creation of Tully’s Fund, which will support members facing financial hardship due to medical circumstances. Money raised for the fund will help cover membership fees, camps and activities, allowing young people and adult members experiencing difficult circumstances to remain involved in Guiding.
Published 12-October-2026
