SIX brave Sydneysiders will face an eight-day, 300km trek across arid sand dunes this May to help better the lives of young people with high-care needs.
The 2013 Simpson Desert Challenge raises funds for Youngcare, a national charity aimed at giving such young people better care and housing options, rather than leaving them in aged-care facilities.
About 7500 young people in Australia are currently living in aged-care facilities,
Youngcare CEO Mark Foley said on Tuesday the desert was chosen to reflect the isolation and mental and physical hardships young people in aged-care face daily.
"Aged care is no place for a young person," he said.
"Every young person deserves a young life."
The goal of this year's trek is to raise $700,000 to help build age-appropriate housing for youths in need.
For the launch of the challenge on Tuesday, part of Sydney's Wynard Park was transformed into a temporary desert, complete with camels, much to the surprise of passers-by.
Six Sydneysiders have signed on for the challenge and will complete an intensive 17-week training program with an adventure trekking group founded by former Australian Army personnel.
Trekkers carry all their supplies in a 15kg backpack every day.
Jock Watson, 30, who has been in aged care since the age of 22 after a serious car accident, completed the 2011 Simpson Desert Challenge with his younger brothers, Tom and Angus.
This year, Jock's friend, Sarah Scott-Paul, has committed to the trek.
Jock's mother, Jane Watson, believes every effort is needed to raise funds for the charity.
"He's living in an environment where people die and don't have potential," she said.
"My son has potential. He deserves to have a dignified life and needs somewhere to stimulate him, rather than depress him."
Those wishing to support the trekkers can go to the website www.youngcare.com.au/simpsondesert.
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