Townsville Bulletin | Evan Morgan | 29 September 2014
A LOVING father is walking the Kokoda Track to raise funds for young Australians with full-time care needs. Townsville man David Eaglen decided to take part in the Youngcare charity walk, which began yesterday, after his oldest daughter was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
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Mr Eaglen said seeing his daughter so helpless in a hospital ward filled with so many aged people was frightening and depressing. “It wasn’t until I heard about Youngcare’s Kokoda Trek I learned of the over 7000 young Aussies living in aged care and I immediately thought of those days I spent with Jamie in that morbid hospital,” he said. “It is no place for a young person.”
Despite his daughter making a recovery, Mr Eaglen said he was still inspired to conquer the gruelling Kokoda Trek. “I have had overwhelming support from the Townsville community and have raised $12,500 to date,” he said.
Mr Eaglen said he was quietly confident after weeks of training. “Castle Hill has become my best friend in the lead-up and I have been doing that as much as possible,” he said.
To donate to David’s cause click here.