Last week the country united in celebration after Turia Pitt announced her engagement to long-time beau, Michael Hoskin.
Turia shared the exciting news while she was on an incredible charity mission alongside Woman’s Day’s entertainment editor, Shari Nementzik, and members of the Interplast charity group to trek the Inca Trail in Peru.
Now the 28-year-old, who just celebrated her birthday, has returned from the trip of a lifetime and her reunion with her fiancé was every bit as emotional as you’d expect.
Turia flew back into Sydney Airport landing on Australian soil on this afternoon.
Understandably, the inspirational burns survivor was overjoyed to be reunited with her husband-to-be and the pair shared a passionate embrace at the terminal. Michael couldn’t hide his smile as Turia held onto her love.
The pair reminded us of giddy teenagers as they stopped to squeeze in a cuddle.
For Turia, leaving her loved-ones especially Michael was particularly hard.
She explained to Woman’s Day that she missed him so much but, “[it’s] very important to have our own lives. It’s good to be able to have our own lives again.”
So, what’s the first thing she and Michael will do? Go for a swim in the ocean!
Her trek was made all the better by the inspiring people that joined her. Turia mentioned she couldn’t have been happier with the group and cherished “meeting everyone and hearing their extraordinary stories and sharing our stories at the camps.”
The motivational speaker returned from her trip having raised over $330, 000 for Interplast – a not-for-profit organisation which provides free reconstructive surgery for people with cleft palates or burns.
The Inca Trail begins at 82 km but the ever determined Turia pushed herself to hike over 100km
“It’s about 100-kilometeres but it’s the vertical distance that kills you! Cause you’re up at altitude there. You’ve got to acclimatise,” she explained on the Today show last year.
A life-long dream to walk the historic trail, accomplishing her goal was is something she’ll never forget.
“Walking through the sun gate and seeing Machu Picchu a tear ran down my face,” she admitted.
Woman’s Day’s Shari was lucky enough to chat to Turia on their final night of their phenomenal adventure.
Turia was excited to share her wedding plans, joking she might be an “indecisive bride.”
But there is one thing she knows for sure – for this Ulladulla girl, home is where the heart is and that’s where she plans to tie the knot!
While the wedding will be in her coastal NSW town, the planning of the big day “is the last thing on her mind!”
“Michael will be happy with a BBQ in the backyard but I like it when people at a wedding get glammed up!” Turia laughed.
Turia does have a dress in mind and wants to add a touch of her Tahitian culture by wearing a traditional gown.
No doubt she will look beautiful in whatever she chooses.
Turia is about to embark on her next big adventure: competing in the Iron-woman competition in March and walking the Kokoda Track!
“Everyone doubts their abilities. I am so nervous but I’m going to take a step back. All I need to do is my training session every morning and by March next year I’ll be ready, Kokoda is in May,” she said.
“And then I have to organise a wedding!” she laughed, before admitting she may enlist the help of a wedding planner.
As for babies, the couple are very keen to start a family in the not too distant future.
“We’ll Start trying at 30,” she confessed.
Welcome back Turia, what a wonderful future that lies ahead!
Click through the gallery to check out the amazing reunion photos
Turia Pitt was finally reunited with her long-time beau, Michael Hoskin after spending the last 10 days trekking the Inca trail for charity.
Turia couldn’t hide her excitement as she embraced her future-hubby with all her strength.
And Michael Hoskin couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as held onto the love of his life.
The couple have only been engaged for two weeks but Turia admitted the hardest thing about the trek was leaving Michael.
Turia catches up Michael with everything that has happened while in Peru…
But not without another cuddle! The inspirational burns survivor was overjoyed to be reunited with her husband-to-be and the pair shared a passionate embrace at the terminal.
The loved-up duo couldn’t keep their hands off each other. The love their share for each other is phenomenal.
Always the gentlemen, Michael helps out with Turia’s luggage.
The pair share a chuckle. It’s good to be home!
Not letting go anytime soon! The pair held each other as they made their way home.
Our own entertainment editor Shari Nementzik had the pleasure of trekking alongside Turia on this incredible journey
“Day one on #TuriasIncaTrailChallenge and I’m frothing! Together we’ve raised well over 300k for @Interplastanz, woo hoo!” Turia penned alongside this shot.
“Day two on #TuriasIncaTrailChallenge. Does anyone else think that my @mountaindesigns shirt looks like the Batman symbol??!
During an appearance on the Today Show Turia explained of the walk: “It’s about 100-kilometers but it’s the vertical distance that kills you! Cause you’re up at altitude there. You’ve got to acclimatse.”
“How bloody cute is this alpaca! And then I had grilled alpaca for dinner,” the motivational speaker penned next to this snap
In April Turia, pictured with husband-to-be Michael, and Interplast threw a fundraiser to help raise money for their mission.
Australia’s toughest survivor and her lovely beau, Michael Hoskin get their happily ever after. The pair announced their engagement with Michael admitting, “When Turia was in intensive care four years ago, I bought a diamond ring.”
The couple have known each other since school and been together for over five years. They have been an incredible unit of support for each other.
Michael gave up his job as a cop to care for the love of his life. Turia describes Michael and her mum, Celestine, 45, as her rocks. “You are looking beautiful today Turia. What are you going to achieve today?’’ She recalled Michael saying to her, when she was in the hospital.
Turia, always a picture of positivity said: “My life is incredible. I’ve got an amazing partner, beautiful family and friends.”
