He was a husband, father, grandfather, friend and colleague to countless people.

Known and loved as a champion sportsman, a junior footy coach, a popular postie and most of all, a thoroughly decent human being.

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MND robbed Pete's family of so much - so much time and love, so many memories and experiences in life that most of us would want and cherish, but Nicole Crone refuses to let MND have the final say on how her husband's untimely passing would define her, or her family.

"MND is undoubtedly the greatest beast of all," she said.

"As people of faith we are raised to live our lives based on love, hope and respect.

"To live with no 'hope' is one of the cruelest things of all. It did not matter what we did, we could not change the cruel hand that Pete was dealt."

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Nicole and a bunch of close friends have signed up to complete a demanding three-day trek through some of Victoria's most rugged terrain in October to help raise funds for MND Victoria, an organisation she says provided incredible support and comfort during some of her family's toughest times.

"MND Victoria were amazing... the moment a physio or OT realised that Pete needed something it was there within a couple of days. There was never an issue and they were phenomenal.

"That's also probably why I am so passionate too, knowing we live in a time where there are far more questions than answers," she said.

"MND Victoria are very much about while we are looking for those answers we are going to care for you the best way we can."

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Lynda Davis, Debra Wakefield, Ann-Marie Roberts, Pene Woods and Catherine Cotching are training with Nicole in preparation for what lies ahead, driven by the shared belief this is something Pete would have relished the chance to do, and united in the commitment to raise funds, and awareness for MND Victoria.

Their 44 kilometre walk is part of the official Three Peaks Challenge for MND Victoria that will see them ascend Mount Stirling, Mount Feathertop and Mount Bogong over three days from October 23 in an epic test of endurance, fitness, mental strength and determination.

These women row together, they walk together and they laugh together, and Nicole says her friends have been a support for her - from the very beginning.

She says the imposition of harsh restrictions in 2020 during the pandemic when Pete was so ill and the couple forced to endure so much alone was "hideous".

"For everyone it was difficult watching and knowing we were in such pain, and wanting to see Pete.

"Covid was really, really gut wrenching.

"There was no real sense of closure because we couldn't naturally care as we would normally.

"We couldn't gather and we were very much on our own."

Nicole's fellow walkers say Three Peaks for Pete is a chance to finally have their say, and to be active in the recovery and healing process through their shared experience.

Lynda reckons the walk is "a gift", and one that the friends will all enjoy - and the chance to raise some money for a worthy cause so close to their hearts.

"Pete was the kind of guy who put himself out there and did challenges and this just fits with his personality... and it's a way we can give back," Debra said.

"I've got no doubt that if Pete was still here and one his loved ones or friends had MND, he would be right on that challenge," Nicole said.

"We were so angry and so hurt from Pete's diagnosis to living it and we just became fixated on living every minute for Pete and making sure every minute of his life was the best we could make it and I was so angry and so hurt... I thought one day I might do something for MND.

I didn't know what that would look like but then when Lynda said what about this, I thought that was it."

The response to Three Peaks for Pete has been amazing, with a group of neighbourhood children who ran a cake stall to raise money for MND the first to get on board, raising $240 along the way.

There's been strong support from the community as well, especially the Eaglehawk and Newbridge footy clubs that Pete played for in his younger days, the Strathfieldsaye Storm where he coached juniors, and numerous local businesses who have been so supportive.

While the search for answers to MND goes on, the need for funding to help find a cure for this horrific disease goes on.

To help that fight, Nicole and her group of determined walkers need to raise $12,000 for MND Victoria so they can complete Three Peaks for Pete.

Step by step, every dollar helps.

To support Nicole and her friends, visit https://www.mnd.org.au/my-fundraising/242/3-peaks-for-pete

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