For Lainie Currie, the Great Wall of China is more than just a bucket list destination – it’s a promise, a tribute, and a step forward in her journey of healing.
Mrs Currie lost her husband, Jason, to brain cancer in January.
A devoted athlete, Yarrabilba ParkRun regular and former Ironman competitor, Jason faced his diagnosis with remarkable determination, refusing to let it define his life.
He completed ultra-marathons, planned adventures, and lived by a simple philosophy: “It’s living by my side. I’m not going to let it dictate what I’m doing.”
Now, Mrs Currie is honouring that same spirit by taking on a challenge of her own.
In May, she will travel to China to trek the Great Wall as part of a fundraising effort for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
The $3,500 goal will help fund vital research into the disease that took Jason’s life, and for Mrs Currie, the journey holds a deeper personal significance.
“Trekking the Great Wall has been a dream of mine for a long time,” she said.
“Jason knew that, and even when his mobility declined, he made me promise I’d do it one day. I had no idea it would be so soon, but I truly believe things happen for a reason.”
Lainie and Jason met three years ago through the dating app Bumble.
At the time, Jason was in the peak of his training, and while he was open about his diagnosis, he never let it slow him down.
Their bond grew quickly, fuelled by a shared love of fitness, travel, and a deep intellectual connection.
Six months into their relationship, Jason’s cancer returned.
Despite the uncertainty, Mrs Currie never wavered.
“By then, he was my soulmate,” she said.
“I wasn’t going anywhere.”
Together, they faced each challenge head-on, with Jason continuing his mission to complete 12 ultra-marathons in 12 months.
Mrs Currie was right there beside him, cheering him on at events and traveling whenever they could.
The couple married last year, and while their original honeymoon plans for a two-month European getaway had to be cancelled, they made the most of their time with trips to Kangaroo Island and a trip on the Ghan train.
“We didn’t know it then, but those were our last trips together,” Mrs Currie said.
“I had a feeling the end was near, and those moments became even more precious.”
As she prepares for her upcoming trek, Mrs Currie is not only raising funds but also rebuilding her physical strength after a year of putting her own health on hold.
Diagnosed with arthritis, she has been carefully working her way back to fitness, knowing the challenge ahead will be both physically and emotionally demanding.
In an unexpected twist, Mrs Currie won’t be making the journey alone.
An old friend from her swimming club, Kelli, also lost her husband to brain cancer just weeks before Jason’s passing.
Kelli had already signed up for the trek, and now, the two will face the challenge together, supporting each other through grief while advocating for greater awareness and research.
“This is something Jason would have loved,” Mrs Currie said.
“He’d be saying, ‘This is awesome, let’s get it done.’ And when it gets hard, I’ll just think of him – of all the times he pushed through, even during chemotherapy. He was such an inspiring person.”
Mrs Currie is carrying Jason’s memory with her, and she hopes her fundraising efforts will help others.
“I have no regrets,” Lainie said.
“I only wish I had met Jason sooner, but I’m so grateful for the time we had. Now, I just want to keep his memory alive and help others facing this battle.”
