As one of the four trekkers from our Foundation Partner Suncorp Insurance, Scott Younes shares his inside story into the challenge of a lifetime – far from the creature comforts of home, the Youngcare Simpson Desert Challenge is one of isolation, uniformity, basic living conditions and little opportunity to maintain personal hygiene.
“On Wednesday, 6 May 2015, I set off on one of the most amazing journeys that I have ever undertaken.
The day started at 5.00am where I met up with 16 of my fellow trekkers at a hangar at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane, bound for Birdsville via Charleville on a Beechcraft 300 aircraft.
It was a scenic flight and we had the opportunity to see the full beauty of an Australian sunrise from 20,000ft. When we arrived at Birdsville, it was very hot and there were hundreds of flies buzzing around, but we barely noticed as we were all excited but also very nervous.
After a seven-hour ride in the back of a troop carrier, we arrived at camp. Honestly, it was a bit of a shock to the system.
The night was freezing and I hardly slept; however, it was certainly offset with the most incredible views of the stars that I have ever seen.
Every morning at 6.30am we ‘stepped off’ into the sunrise and walked for around 12 hours per day, every day for eight days. I knew this was going to be hard, but I had no idea just how much of a mental battle it would be.
Every day was the same; we woke up, had a quick breakfast and then walked and walked and walked! The lunch break resembled half time in a football match with running repairs being completed on injuries, blistered feet and broken toenails. Despite the pain that we all suffered, it was the most incredible, humbling experience that I have ever had the privilege to take part in.
It was so rewarding to raise funds and awareness for Youngcare and help give young people the choice, independence and dignity that they otherwise would not have had. I will remember this trip forever, and I know the friendships that I have made will last a lifetime.
If you are thinking about taking up the Youngcare Simpson Desert Challenge 2016, I would urge you to back yourself and jump on board. It will change your life and make you realise how lucky you are to have the opportunity to make such important choices, as there are thousands of young people around this country living in aged care who do not have the same luxury. ”
The Simpson Desert Challenge reiterates why the work we do here at Youngcare is so important; no young person should have to live a life of isolation and uniformity. Every young person deserves to live a young life.
CLICK HERE to check out more photos from the challenge of a lifetime.
