Channel Seven Presenter and Act for Kids Ambassador, Kay McGrath, is part of a team planning to take on the Act for Kids Larapinta Trail Challenge in August to raise awareness and funds for abused and neglected kids. The world renowned 223km walking trail is one of the seven Great Walks of Australia and is now noted as one of the top 10 walks in the world.
The team of 16 trekkers will set out from Alice Springs on 12 August, covering 100km in just six days. The unforgettable guided tour will take them along one of Australias most iconic desert treks, the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges and climbing Mt Sonder to gain a rare perspective of the vast flood plains, razorback rocky outcrops and sheer scale of this ancient land.
Trekkers will walk up to seven hours a day across rugged terrain, testing their courage, commitment and perseverance. They will lay eyes on some of the most magnificent views in Australia as they journey through the desert, discovering more of their homeland and heritage as they undertake this journey.
The team also includes Act for Kids CEO, Dr Neil Carrington and Act for Kids Chairman, Lesley-Ann Houghton. In addition to the personal fitness challenge, participants have committed to raising a minimum of $2,000 each for Act for Kids.
Act for Kids CEO, Dr Neil Carrington, said that the trek is great opportunity to embark on an adventure of lifetime while giving children a brighter future.
By taking on this momentous challenge, the trekkers are showing just how determined they are to promote the important work we do and they will help us continue providing the best possible support for children and young people suffering from abuse and neglect, said Dr Carrington.
Act for Kids is an Australia charity that has been working to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect for over 26 years. They provide a wide range of support for vulnerable families under pressure, as well as free intensive therapy for children and young people who have experienced the trauma from abuse and neglect. Outback and remote Australia is home to many of the charitys team working with children and families in five remote Indigenous communities.
Act for Kids is hoping to raise over $120,000 for abused and neglected kids.
You can support the trekkers by making a donation to one of their fundraising pages: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/trek
Trek updates:
Day 1:
Starting our outback trekking adventure on the Larapinta Trail Challenge for Act for Kids. We are in a real outback wilderness with a strong sense of heritage, both Aboriginal and Colonial. Its all opening up in to the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges as the trail leads us westwards. A stunning and stylish permanent Camp nestled between the Chewings and Heavitree Ranges.
Day 2:
We had a great day of walking yesterday, traversing the high crest of Euro Ridge, what stunning views from the Chewings Range of the West MacDonnell! We have just trekked into the Simpsons Gap which opens up into an amazing gorge called a “Gap”
Day 3:
Today we have trekked the Serpentine Gorge, it’s one of the best kept secrets in the West Macs. We also made it to the mighty Counts Point, 500 metres above the plains! Now looking at the Dolomite Fossils. This land is so ancient, these fossils are over 800 million years old and so stunning to see you just can’t ignore them!
Day 4:
We’ve covered a lot of ground today, hitting the breathtaking Serpentine Chalet Dam and Chasm in the morning. By Midday we had reached the Ochre Pits which was an important quarry for local Arrente Aboriginal people to source ceremonial ochres. Now what a treat, to reach the Ellery Creek Big Hole for a “refreshing” swim! The group is now looking forward to the evening ahead, winding down at Charlies Camp, can’t wait for a hot meal and shower!
Day 5:
It was an early start this morning, I mean really early! We then trekked three hours in darkness with just the light of our head torches and the stars. We didn’t feel like getting up early, but Mt. Sonder is so worth it! Have never experienced anything like this before. Not only the high point but the highlight of the whole trek so far. Looking forward to a big brekkie beside the Finke River, then a chilled out afternoon at the Glen Helen Swimming Gorge.
Day 6:
The last day of our amazing trip! I have walked up from the River Red Gums of Ormiston Creek up on to the high ridges of the Ormiston Pound to the Ormiston Gorge. The photos do not do this place justice. Giant red cliffs dropping in to deep and dark outback waterholes. Gnarled River Red Gums complete the scene just like a painting. What a way to end to this awesome trek!