4 February 2016
Simpson Desert Challenge 2016 – a challenge like no other
Eight days trekking 250km over 1,000 sand dunes; an endless horizon; carrying a 10kg backpack – the Youngcare Simpson Desert Challenge is on again!
Those already signed up for the challenge include Channel Nine’s Melissa Downes, who will be swapping the newsroom for the rugged landscape of the desert in what she says is the biggest physical challenge of her life.
“I have never done anything like this before and that’s part of what I’m looking forward to; I feel very privileged to be involved and hopefully this year’s challenge will play a small part in helping Youngcare continue its great work,” Melissa said.
Also taking on the trek is Youngcare Chairman, Nic De Luca who conquered the first trek in 2011 which raised over $1 million for young Aussies with high care needs. This time around, Nic will be joined by his 15 year old son, Ben – who is set to become the youngest Youngcare trekker to cross the Simpson Desert.
Youngcare Foundation Partner Suncorp Insurance will again be supporting the challenge with two trekkers, Matt Kayrooz and Jane Stafford.
Running from 28 April to 8 May, the challenge offers trekkers an opportunity to experience what life can be like for a young person living in aged care – an existence of isolation, uniformity and little decision-making – while raising critical funds and awareness for young Aussies with high care needs.
CLICK HERE to follow our trekkers progress and support their fundraising efforts.