Former Married at First Sight contestant Duncan James is taking on the 10 Peaks Challenge by hiking one of the toughest trails in Australia to raise funds and support for Youngcare, the not-for-profit that supports young people with significant physical disabilities.
He has a personal connection to Youngcare’s mission. His primary school friend Steven Trailor had an accident on his 26th birthday which left him with reduced physical, speech and motor skills, completely altering the life of the once active, semi-professional football player, who now needs around-the-clock care.
His friends continue to rally around him with support and James is embarking on this journey to help others like Trailor who may not have such a strong network. The goal is to raise $20,000 through the challenge. “I don’t like the cold or heights, so this will be fun,” he said.
Alongside eight other trekkers, James and the team will embark on the 60km hike in the Kosciuszko National Park over four days, from May 22-26.
And this is not his first fundraising effort. “In primary school, I ran my own activity, with help from mum and day, to raise money for kids in Rwanda. I had seen a news program that was reporting on the horrible conditions in Rwanda at the time and wanted to help in some small way,” he told F2L.
“I have been training for the trek since February and love having a reason to get out and about for some hard work exercise.”
As for any other plans for the disability sector. “I always try and do my bit to help the disability sector but there is always more that is needed. I have personal commitments to my friend Steven and his disability needs but I’d like to continue to help others too and this is why I’m partnering with Youngcare for this effort.”
James has just started a cyber security company after being in the industry for 18 years. “It’s daunting going out on your own with my business party, but as they say, no risk, no reward.”
Photo: Duncan James and Steven Trailor