SOAPBOX: Why we should never forget Daniel

I was in Year 5 at Woombye Primary School when Daniel went missing and I can still remember the way my mum hugged me a little tighter from that day forward.

Billy Tindall is running from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast for Daniel Morcombe Foundation. Picture: Contributed

I'M CERTAIN anyone who lived on the Sunshine Coast in 2003 remembers the day Daniel Morcombe, 13, was abducted.

The thought that something so horrible could happen in the beautiful area we're blessed to live in chilled locals to the core.

I was in Year 5 at Woombye Primary School when Daniel went missing and I can still remember the way my mum hugged me a little tighter from that day forward after I walked out the school gate.

Daniel's parents, Bruce and Denise have since worked tirelessly to keep children safe through their work with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and now they're getting the support of a former boxing champion.

Caboolture's Billy Tindall is leaving Melbourne this Saturday to embark on a 35-day, 2000km ultra- marathon that will end at the Coast on Day for Daniel (Friday, October 27).

As a soon-to-be father of two, Mr Tindall said child safety is something he's "very passionate" about and endeavours to raise $100,000 for the foundation.

The 27-year-old five-times Golden Gloves champion will be cheered on by Bruce and Denise as he leaves Victoria.

It's coming up to 14 years since Daniel was abducted from the unofficial bus stop under the Kiel Mountain Rd overpass, but his legacy lives on in the efforts of child safety champions who never want to see a repeat of that fateful day.

The story of Daniel isn't just about Daniel, it's about all children who need to be protected.

It's important we don't forget that.