Broome Advertiser | Kellie McNeil | 5 November 2014
[pull-out title=”Support Nicola” content=”Support Ms Wellington as she treks 300km in the Youngcare Simpson Desert Challenge 2015.”]Click here
[/pull-out]
Broome resident Nicola Wellington is preparing to embark on a gruelling 300km trek through the Simpson Desert to support young Australians in need of high care.
Ms Wellington will join 11 others as they weave their way through dusty tracks and across dunes as part of the 10-day Youngcare Simpson Desert Challenge next year. Trekkers will begin their journey in South Australia on May 7, and must walk 30km a day through the heat carting 15km backpacks. Participants will have access to water and dehydrated meals and will sleep under the stars. Trekkers aim to raise $35,000 each to help Youngcare continue its mission.
The charity delivers specialist housing to keep young adults with disabilities pit of aged care, as well as funding research, grants and a telephone support service. Ms Wellington discovered the trek through a family friend and, having worked with several high-care needs students in her teaching career, was inspired to sign up. Having never completed an endurance event, the crossfit devotee is looking forward to the personal challenge.
“I have known and worked with people who have high-care needs and understand the difficulties they face, so I think it is really important to support the great work at Youngcare,” she said. “It is going to be a big life-changing event that will test my strength and endurance, but I think I have a pretty strong mindset.”
Ms Wellington has been taking thee 10km walks carrying 8km backpacks each week and will ramp up training closer to the event. She has raised just over $2000 for the charity, but is looking for more sponsors to her raise $35,000.
