AFTER 18 months, a recently engaged couple ended their top-to-bottom trek of mainland Australia in Kilmore.

Russell Osborne and Ros Consoli travelled with eight camels from Katherine to Kilmore to raise money for the Children First Foundation, which has been caring for the formerly conjoined twins Trishna and Krishna.

When Russell decided in 2003 to fundraise for the Kilmore-based foundation, Trishna and Krishna were not yet born.

Yet, by sheer coincidence, Russell and Ros arrived in the city of Melbourne on 22 November, when the parade for the successfully separated twins was held.

“It was bloody incredible, I couldn’t believe it,” Russell said.

“You could not have planned it.”

To top the day off, Russell proposed to Ros at Federation Square and she accepted.

Arriving at the Children’s First Foundation, which sits on a 45-hectare property, Russell and Ros were met by several supporters who joined them on a walk along the farm.

Russell said he chose to support the foundation because its philosophy of altruism and equality was close to his heart.

“Their attitude towards helping children is like mine, how could I not support them?”

The support for the camel riders has been overwhelming.

“The foundation has been great the way they supported the whole thing, we definitely chose the right organisation. Every step has been worth it.”

When Russell spoke to Star last week, he and Ros were travelling along the Hume Hwy towards Craigieburn, en route to Wallan.

“I’m looking forward to going home,” he said.

Home is a farm at Streaky Bay in South Australia - a property Russell and Ros recently bought to spend married life together.