Ultramarathon runner Diana Nicholls has completed a punishing 200-kilometre run over two days to honour her close friend Eleanor Bryant, the speech pathologist and mother of two who was killed in November 2024 when she threw herself in front of children to shield them from an out-of-control truck that smashed through the fence of a preschool in Riddells Creek.
A heroic act remembered
Eleanor Bryant was 43 years old and working as a speech pathologist at Riddells Creek preschool when the truck careered through the school fence. In the moments that followed, Bryant pushed children out of its path — an act of selfless courage that cost her her life.
Her husband, Tim Bryant, has spoken openly about the grief his family has been navigating since her death, while trying to keep Eleanor's memory alive for their children, Charlie and Tully.
"Grief is a rollercoaster. Grief's not fun. But I'm trying to make it as positive as possible," Tim said. "We talk about the kids and I. Eleanor's still part of our everyday conversation. And that's the example I'm trying to set — for the kids, because they're her greatest legacy."
Diana Nicholls' extraordinary tribute
Determined to ensure Eleanor's legacy endures, Nicholls set out on a two-day ultramarathon to raise money for the Eleanor Bryant Memorial Fund. She crossed the finish line late on Saturday night, nearly 40 hours after she began.
The run was an emotionally charged journey from the outset. Community members rallied around Nicholls throughout the event, and Bryant's daughter Tully offered encouragement along the way.
"Keep going, Diana, you guys," Tully said.
For Nicholls, completing the ultramarathon brought a complicated mix of feelings. "Definitely a mix of emotions," she said. "The thought of — I'm only doing it because she's not here — is a really tough one. But I'm also really proud to be doing it."
Nicholls' feat drew comparisons to other remarkable endurance efforts. The courage shown by long-distance runners in pushing through adversity has resonated strongly with communities across Australia.
Where the money goes
Funds raised through events such as Nicholls' run will be directed to regional and rural areas across Australia, supporting scholarships and providing financial backing for allied health professionals — a cause that speaks directly to Eleanor Bryant's own career and values as a speech pathologist who dedicated her working life to helping others.
Tim Bryant said Eleanor would have had an endearingly conflicted reaction to the outpouring of support in her name.
"She'd be a little bit embarrassed. She'd be a little bit chuffed. But she would be embarrassed," he said. "She was never one for the limelight. She just had a way of making people feel special."
He added that Eleanor's professional compassion was matched by her warmth as a person. "It's really great that her work lives on. She would be so proud. She was incredibly compassionate. She was incredibly kind. But there was some cheer there too, and she was a whole lot of fun."
A legacy carried forward
The Eleanor Bryant Memorial Fund now stands as a lasting tribute to a woman whose instinct in a moment of crisis was to protect the children around her — and whose family, friends and community are determined to ensure that spirit of generosity and care continues to make a difference in the lives of others across the country.
