10,000 STEPS* fan Tracey Frankel has contributed the story of her flood rescue on the program website - and it has a nice twist to inspire other walkers.

(* The 10,000 STEPS program is headquartered at CQU.) Ms Frankel, who lives about 10km outside Sarina, writes:

A picture of the driveway after waters had receded

"30th January 2008 I have been a 10,000 STEPS member for nearly a year now - and love it!!

"Last week my son and I got swept away by flood waters and spent 3 hours clinging to a tree waiting for our wonderful neighbours and emergency services to work out how to rescue us.

"During this time the raging waters ripped off my shoes, my jewellery and all the clothes from my son - however when I finally got to the hospital and took off what was left of my sodden clothes - there was my trusty 10,000 STEPS pedometer still clinging on - a bit like me to that tree!

"The next day I actually pulled the pedometer apart and emptied the water from inside it!

"A couple of days later I put it back together - and you will never believe it, it is still working!!

"It actually has mud under the LCD screen - but is somehow still counting my steps!

A photo taken after the waters had receded but it does show how high the water came by the debris in the trees

"As you can imagine it is now more than ever very precious to me - as is of course my family!

"What a tenacious little piece of machinery!"

Ms Frankel explained later that the emergency occurred at the front of her property.

"The creek goes through our property and is usually tranquil and peaceful - but not this day.  The waters were over 14 foot above the bridge instead of under it!"