BOORT’S magnificent seven were cheered by more than  600 people after running 270km to support Dylan Hatcher and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
The road was lined with supporters as Chris Hatcher, Jordan Bell,  Tim Rhook, Ryan McGhie, Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Chris O’Rourke and Dan Anderson arrived at the end of their 270km run last week.
Many donned Do it 4 Dylan - Limp 4 Lymphoma t-shirts and caps, joining the runners for a lap of Little Lake Boort and adding to the fundraising total now nudging $50,000 and eclipsing the original $25,000 target.
Among supporters were present and former club mates of Dylan, the Boort footballer and health service administration officer who was diagnosed with cancer in September. Dylan last week started his final round of chemotherapy.
“We weren’t expecting this many people to turn out,” said brother Chris who organised the run from Melbourne. “May be 50 or 60 we thought ... it’s been amazing.”
“This has been a big effort from everyone - the runners, the community.”
He said the hardest section of the run was overnight Saturday through Bendigo. “The hardest part of sure, running when we would normally be sleeping.”
The seven runners and support crew knew they were on  the home straight when greeted by hay bales emblazoned with messages of support at the front of Boort Ward councillor David Weaver’s property near the Fernihurst Road.
Those same messages were waved in the air by Dylan’s family at the Boort town signs.
Community support also saw the football, tennis and ski clubs cater for post-event celebrations adding to the appeal total.
Ryan McGhie’s mother Jennifer summed up the spirit of community. “Great mates supporting a good friend in need.”