Desert Trek Challenge for YOUNGCARE
To physically and mentally trek 230km over 9 days in one of the world's most demanding environments will be a challenge!
Endless sand dunes, scorching desert sun and isolation will be conditions that will remove my freedom of choice... no showers, comfortable bed, or luxuries...
This will provide a striking reflection of the challenges that young people with high physical support needs face on a daily basis.
I'm inviting you to join me on this journey to make a difference. Every step I take, will be one step closer to building quality specialist disability homes, providing grants and creating choice, independence and dignity for young people with complex physical disabilities.
Your donation will directly impact the lives of young people with high care needs.
T-shirt Sponsorship opportunities available.
Scroll to the end of this page for photo gallery and click links for previous trek highlights!
https://youtu.be/4r3q52ywL8Q?si=iiA3KIDX9dn1QWaj
Youngcare is a national not-for-profit revolutionising the way young people with high care disability live-with freedom, dignity and choice.
#gratefulforyoursupport
#YOUNGCAREcelebrates20yearmilestonein2025!
My Updates
My Munga-Thirri Memories
Monday 16th Jun
My Munga-Thirri Memories
(The Ultimate Australian Outback Adventure Challenge for Youngcare)
Guided by our inspirational leader, our steps were in his hands,
The 6th time master, Matt the shepherd and his devoted lambs.
The inaugural goal of achieving a 250km wide Simpson span,
Was it always his intent? Or serendipitous plan…
Foles, the legend anchor since the trek’s inception,
Fought to ensure this challenge was a fundraising and experience exception.
Mt Coot-tha circuits and trainer of mandatory squats and hill repeats,
Strengthening our legs and glutes to achieve fatigue-resistant feats.
The task was long.. never-ending in sight,
Desert terrain expanse and unrelenting as we considered our beneficiary’s plight.
Sinking sand, ironstone gibber rock, crunching dried out desert earth,
Scaling 40-meter Big Red dune offered spectacular views and humble efforts’ worth.
We were one as team no matter what our stride,
Regrouping every 5km, connecting back together with pride.
Trekking silently together or in conversational fortitude,
Keeping to my own gait, at times in contemplative solitude.
Our desert angel medics survived us, the extreme hiking conditions,
Essentially enabling this challenge to come to safe and satisfying fruition.
Their skill and hours of medical attention to treat and assess,
Thank you Andy Rooster and our French Gilly Princess.
Fortunately, only a couple of small blisters for me,
Injinji toe socks, sewn gaiters and Hoka’s were the key.
I was secretly proud to lose a toenail,
Relying the last day on Ecco sandals to ensure I didn’t fail.
We endured all that Mother Nature could conjure and muster,
Searing heat, chilling cold and rain that washed away a full day and night’s lustre.
The aim to endure beyond what we could control,
Relentlessly tested our bodies, minds and souls.
Day 3 and day 6, these mornings were a shocker,
Sleep deprivation had me dizzy, nauseous and in a serious hurt locker.
When all comforts are removed and luxuries are eliminated,
Thoughts of “why I am doing this” were resolutely generated.
Formidable flies, catching between our eyelids, never letting us rest,
Only when the sun went down did they go to sleep with us in our tiny tents.
They added to our protein source having swallowed quite a few,
The fly net, buff and my “what flies?” attitude bolstering my sanity and steadfastness anew.
Rains that had fallen, acknowledging the resulting country devastation,
Saturated the desert earth but also created colourful vegetation.
Glorius Georgina Gidgee Wattle, Poached Egg Daisies, and vibrant Yellowtop covered the dunes,
Eagles soaring overhead, Tadpole Shrimp in dormancy, but with rain, life resumes.
Sparkling lights against the darkest of desert nights,
Shooting stars fancy-dressed the sky.. what a special sight!
Magnificent Milky Way illuminating the heavens and our hearts,
Together is brighter, we pursue to do our part.
Jody our esteemed aboriginal tracker with undisputed qualification,
An underestimated connection keeper of the current landowners and his generation.
Birdsville community together with Donny and Judy,, a pivotal hand,
Honoured to trek in Brook’s pastoral and Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi land.
A tremendous effort to execute, the support was undeniable,
Trek and personal sponsors, donators, volunteers, Youngcare staff..all making it viable.
The Blue Smurfs Support Crew always one step ahead for our gain,
Brian and the chopper, our rescue out if needed and assessing the Munga-Thirri terrain.
Fireside buddy sharing,
Bantering and jesting, yet nurturing and caring.
Friendships formed out of a united quest,
Speaking love, speaking life, speaking hope with every step.
Sharing our reasons of why we walked for this worthy charity,
Gave us purpose and provided clarity.
To be chosen to wear the Youngcare flag on the final day,
Will be a memory I honourably cherish and will forever stay.
Munga Thirri had me captivated..
The Youngcare mission, the intrigue and trek challenge kept me motivated.
God’s country…. an Eden-like presence,
Was and is, the Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert.
ShareThank you to my Sponsors
$43.13k
Sdc Charity Event
$7k
Paul Taylor
Wendy - Good luck! Super effort for a great cause. Very happy to support you and youngcare!
$5k
Woodley Foundation
Wendy … John and I “The Woodley Foundation“ are thrilled to support your incredible journey across the Simpson Desert to raise funds for Youngcare. Your dedication to helping vulnerable people is truly inspiring. We wish you all the best on this challenging but rewarding adventure.
$2.5k
Hands For Humanity Foundation
$2k
Place Ascot
$1.5k
Seamus Evans
$1.5k
Melbourne Cup Fundraiser
We are cheering you on for a great cause.
$1.5k
Seamus Evans
$1,000
Haddock Family
Well done Wendy. Losing only one toenail is a great effort.
$1,000
George Nason
Good job Wendy. Great cause.
$1,000
Anonymous
$1,000
Scott And Linda Edwards
Best of luck, Wendy
$900
Bills Boot Busting Booties
Bills Ball Busting Booties is right behind Wendy on this terrific trek adventure that she is taking part in for a wonderful cause helping others. Go you good girl!!! 👧 💖
$637
Kingaroy State High School
Congratulations! On behalf of Kingaroy State High School! Thank you ☺️
$500
Anita Salmon
Well done on your achievement. You are amazing.
$500
The Archbolds
This is an amazing thing you are doing Wendo. We will be with you in spirit!!
$500
Noel And Geraldine Whittaker
Go Wendy!!!
$500
Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats
Pat of Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats with Bills Ball Busting Booties. Wish Wendy all the best on trek across the Simpson Desert for such a wonderful cause. Go you good girl.
$500
Diana And Grant Groves
Go Wendy 🥾
$500
Phil & Karen Tonkin
Wonderful cause Wendy! All the best. You're a good chick!! 🤗❤️
$500
Michaek Walsh
$400
Sarah Jensen And Amanda Sainsbury
You are a ⭐️!! We love you and are very proud of you! What an amazing achievement and much deserved cause. Lots of love - Amanda & Tony and Sarah & Shane. 👏🤩😘
$250
Belinda Walters
Go Wendy! Amazing charity x
$250
Mark Yates
Well Done Wendy
$250
Cr Penny Wolff
You got this Wendy! Proud of you! Backing you all the way ❤
$250
Steiny Family
‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks’. We know your passion for this wonderful Charity is so close to your heart and we wish you all the very best, every single step of the way!! Love you ❤️
$250
Darren Timms
$250
Alan And Rosanne Millhouse
A wonderful cause, Wendy. We applaud your efforts. You will love the experience, particularly sleeping under the stars in Simpson Desert.
$250
Hope Jones
Go mumma!!! So proud of you and how far you have come. You amaze me everyday and I aspire to have your motivation and commitment. Love you so much
$250
Jonaelle And Ian
You’re truly inspirational Wendy!
$200
Sharon
What an amazing cause! Best of luck Wendy! Sharon & Dan
$200
Sarah & Liam
So very proud of you, Wends! You got this! ❤️ xxx
$200
Rotary Club Of Hamilton Inc
$200
Bots (business Opportunity Team Support)
Your energy is truly inspiring. Wishing you all the best on your journey for such a fantastic cause. from the BOTnic's ;-)
$200
Lynne Mallan
$200
Tracey Hinds
Well done Wendy!
$200
Jennifer Morgan
Wishing you great success with your fundraiser Wendy.
$200
Ralph & Tracy Heading
Good lucky Wendy !!
$200
Ben Powell
Awesome effort Wendy!! It’s afantastic cause. Have a great Simpson Desert Crossing..
$200
Tritton Family
We will be willing you on to the finish line Wendy - good luck and we hope it goes well Xx
$200
Jenny Frost
Go Wendy! Good luck with the walk. It is a great cause.
$200
Belinda
What an AMAZING cause Wendy. So happy to help Youngcare as they do incredible things in our community! All the best with the Trek!
$200
Hogden Family
Good luck Wendy! Well done
$200
Chris Merlo
Great luck on your most marvelous adventure. What a worthy cause , the world needs more good people like you. Love Merls
$200
Holly Bowden
Peter and I are cheering you on as you embark on this incredible journey across the Simpson desert Wendy. You have our support on your very brave quest, go girl 💛
$182
St Johns Lutheran School Kingaroy
$150
Scott King
Congrats Wendy on an awesome effort
$150
Wendy Smith
Good lucj
$100
Trenton Clark
Great work Wendy.
$100
John Martin
$100
Leanne Rooijmans
You are amazing Wendy! Super proud of you. What an achievement 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
$100
Alison Zappala
Well done Wendy. You are an inspiration. X
$100
Prudent Partners
$100
Peter Craig
$100
Peter & Tracey Cossgrove
You’ve done amazing Wendy. What a great goal you’ve achieved.
$100
Anonymous
Amazing effort Wendy!
$100
Damian C/- Bill's Ball Busting Booties!!
Go Wendy - c/- Bill's Ball Busting Booties
$100
Edward Alder
$100
Scott And Louise
This is such a valuable cause Wendy,. Thank you for bringing it to our attentiom
$100
John Chorley
Bill's Ball breaking Booties
$100
Charlotte Archbold
$100
John Greenhalgh
$100
Charlie And Margaret Earp
Best wishes for your desert trip- a great cause.
$100
Jenny Holmen
Good luck this Thursday Wendy!! This world needs more people like you!
$100
Suz Watt
Good luck Wendy! All your hard work will definitely pay off!
$100
Shane Talbot
One of the Old Boys Tuesday morning cheer squad. Foley said you could do with all the help you can get 😉.
$100
Tracey Sheehan
You got this
$100
Greg And Aly Johnson
Go you little legend!!!
$100
Bills Busting Boot Camp
Good luck Wendy 🙌 you got this
$100
Austin Kelly
All the very best for this huge challenge!!!
$100
Tammie Eadie
$100
Julia Alexander
Best of luck on your epic quest!
$100
Ken And Sue Mitchell
Go Wendy!! Love sue and ken xxx
$100
Patricia Monards
$100
Louise
So proud of you Wendy!
$100
Byron Bay Eyecare
$100
Lucille Munro
$100
Simon Small
Great effort Wendy - and a great reason to go on an adventure- safe trekking !
$100
Sally Kennedy
All the best Wendy for this life changing experience
$100
Piers Kinloch
$100
Bnhealthy
$100
Kiley And Rod Cameron
Go Wendy! You’re a champion 👊🏻❤️
$100
Kaye Roberts
Wendy..our beautiful Niece ..we walk with you in spirit step by step. Your dedication to this cause is inspirational. We pray for your strength and safety as you Trek those many kms. 💜
$100
Litzin Livin Adventures
Wonderful commitment to changing peoples worlds What an amazing experience to have. Love Ya Work
$100
Hazel And Mark Davies
$100
Bd Personal Fitness Traing
Wendy - Bronwyn and I are right behind you with this great Trek you are taking part in for a great cause. Go you, you good 👧.
$100
Jim And Christine Vuga
Be as awesome as you are!
$100
Stacy & Chris Armstrong
Wishing you a safe trek Wendy! 🙂
$100
Bec Horsburgh
Good luck, Wendy! You're going to kill it!
$100
Greg Milne
Another one of the Tuesday Bowen Hills Old fellas
$100
Belinda Plowman
Go well my Friend, a seriously wonderful cause.
$100
Jared Rastall
$100
Stephanie Gower
Praying all goes super well and you reach your mission for Youngcare Wendy ❤️. Great cause and great challenge !
$100
Kiara Underwood
An absolute inspiration!!! You are INCREDIBLE! Will be cheering you on from behind the RQ bar <3
$75
Carmen Chung
BILLS BOOT BUSTING BOOTIES
$75
The Cronin Crew
All the best for the Trek Wendy ! X
$75
Jennifer Davies
$60
Thread And Bead Sisters (aka Olivia And Claudia Campbell)
We are super proud of you Wendy, good luck with the trek and we are cheering for you.
$50
Paul Baynes
$50
Tessa Milton
Good luck on your adventure Wendy!
$50
Kym Scott
Congratulations Wendy!
$50
Gemma Cooper
Good on you Wendy and thank you for all those young people and their families who will benefit from yours and others efforts. Wishing you all the best in your trek!!
$50
Live Life Global
Wendy it was a treat to meet you on Friday and hear about your trek across the Simpson Desert to raise necessary funds for YoungCare. Wishing you much success in raising your goal!
$50
Sharyn & Stuart Tidswell
Wow! Good on you, Wendy. Hope this cheers you on some of the way 👟🏃🏼♀️
$50
Helena Sandford
All the best Wendy. Happy to support you and this worthwhile cause x
$50
Christen Holzl
You are Sunshine! X
$50
Peter Conlon
Great work and best of Luck Wendy.
$50
Kathryn Bourke
Well done on doing this walk! Supporting you via ‘Bills Ball Busting Booties’
$50
Catherine Baker
Great job Wendy!
$50
Terry & Cathy Madden
Awesome effort for Young Care Wendy! Good luck!
$50
Amanda Green
Cheering you on gorgeous!
$50
Jason & Nicky
Praying for ya Cuz on ya Trek Love Jason & Nicky
$50
Kally Brekan
$50
Jodi Jones
All the best Wendy!
$50
Nicky Francis
Go Wendy! You will be amazing!
$50
Marcel Vogt
Hi Wendy, I watched the event video—wow, what an adventure you’re on! Enjoy sleeping under the stars, and I wish you a truly wonderful time.
$50
Helena Sandford
Wishing you all the best Wendy.
$50
Anonymous
Dearest Wendy Praying for a safe trek, we are So proud of you niece we’re with you all the way, every step for youngcare. Love Uncle Mal & Aunty Glenis
$50
Sonja Walters
Such an awesome thing you're doing 👏
$50
Barry And Lyn Litzow
All the best for your walk..a great cause.. Love and prayers. Dad and Mum.xoxo
$50
Angela Clarke
Wishing you all the best for this epic trek Wendy! Love ya. Ange x
$50
Elizabeth Burke
What a epic journey - stay strong!
$50
Wayne Mitchell
$50
Stef P
What an incredible journey for such a great cause. Best of luck Wendy!
$25
Jeanette's Piano Studio
You are up to the challenge. Growth is always painful. Go girl!!
$25
Mick
Your Doing great things
$25
Patrick Johns
$25
Nikki Meldrum
$25
Emma G
Best of luck Wendy!
$25
Simone
Well done Wendy, cheering you on for this great cause!
$25
Charlie Woodley
Number 1 fan ❤️❤️
$25
Kylie
Amazing work for this incredible organisation
$25
Helen Jenkins
Hi Wendy, I am a client and a friend of Kylah's . I have a granddaughter with Down Syndrome.Thankyou for supporting and enduring the challenge with Young Care. Take Care. Helen Jenkins.
$25
Anonymous
Good work Wendy 😊
$20
Angelo Santomauro
Good Luck Wendy
Thank you for your support of my trekker event. I am so grateful to all of those who helped me raise over $40K on the night. A special thank you to those incredible prize sponsors who helped make the evening such a success.