How a walking group brought Pam and Daniel together
Sometimes love does not arrive in a grand moment. Sometimes it walks quietly beside you, one step, one conversation and one shared routine at a time.
For Pam and Daniel, love found its way into their lives during a weekly walk with the Heart Foundation Walking group, Melton Library Walkers.
For Pam and Daniel, love found its way into their lives during a weekly walk with the Heart Foundation Walking group, Melton Library Walkers.
Pam's Story
Pam joined after encouragement from a friend. She was looking for a way to stay active while navigating life after profound loss. The group offered gentle movement and the comfort of people who understood how life can shift in unexpected ways.
“My husband of 48 years passed away in 2016. I had cared for him whilst he had dementia. So when I joined the group I found quite a bit of support as some had travelled a similar path”
Pam, Melton Library Walkers
Daniel's Story
Daniel’s reason for joining was different, but just as meaningful. Recovering from major spinal surgery, he needed to rebuild his fitness slowly. He had recently moved from Adelaide to Melton to be closer to family and was looking for connection in a new community.
“I had been walking in the Noarlunga walking group in Adelaide and transferred to the Melton group”
Daniel, Melton Library Walkers
Among new faces and unfamiliar streets, the walking group became a place where belonging started to grow. Week after week, Pam and Daniel found themselves walking the same paths at the same pace.
Conversations began simply, the way they often do when walking side by side. They talked about the weather, the route and the shared satisfaction of keeping active. Over time, those small exchanges softened into something warm and familiar. “One day Pam started walking in the Melton library group and caught my eye,” Daniel recalls. Then came the moment that changed everything.
Conversations began simply, the way they often do when walking side by side. They talked about the weather, the route and the shared satisfaction of keeping active. Over time, those small exchanges softened into something warm and familiar. “One day Pam started walking in the Melton library group and caught my eye,” Daniel recalls. Then came the moment that changed everything.
“One particular day everyone left and we were the only ones, so Pam asked me if I would like to go somewhere for coffee. The answer was YES. We have been together since”
Pam remembers another pivotal moment.
“I had met Daniel and he asked me if I would like to do the marathon walk at the MCG. So you could say that this was our first date.”
Their connection felt natural and easy, shaped by shared values and the simple rhythm of walking side by side.They found joy in staying active, in good company and in appreciating life’s quieter moments.
As they often say, "We met when we were both 70 years young," a reminder that their story unfolded not through an app or a formal introduction, but through a shared commitment to movement, wellbeing and being open to what might grow from a single step forward.
As they often say, "We met when we were both 70 years young," a reminder that their story unfolded not through an app or a formal introduction, but through a shared commitment to movement, wellbeing and being open to what might grow from a single step forward.
