Larapinta Trek: a journey to make a difference
2 min read 09 August 2025
In June this year, a group of determined trekkers embarked on a hike along the Larapinta Trail with the shared mission of fighting cancer.
Each year, the Foundation’s Larapinta Challenge Trek gives people the opportunity to fundraise for Peter Mac by embarking on a seven-day trek against the stunning backdrop of Central Australia. Many trekkers have a personal connection to cancer, often through a loved one or their own diagnosis.
One such trekker was Will who was motivated to join after his wife Emma passed away from a rare cancer in September last year. After Emma’s passing, Will simply “walked and walked and walked” to cope. When he heard about the Larapinta trek, he immediately signed up. He describes it as “a perfect combination”: it provided him with something concrete to focus his attention on, while also making a difference for people with cancer.
“I don't want anyone else to go through what Emma and I went through, so being able to take part in this challenge was a great first step toward that goal.”
When Will started to raise funds for the trek, he was blown away by the support and responses he received.
“I was surprised at how many people thanked me for providing them with an opportunity to do something. It seemed like many people wanted to do something to help but just didn't know how.”
Another trekker, Lucy, joined after being treated for breast cancer in 2024. For Lucy, the Larapinta trek was an opportunity to channel her “energy and grief” into getting fit while raising funds for cancer research. Describing the trek as “equal parts beautiful, fun and challenging”, Lucy says:
“I could never imagine how much more I would get out of the experience.”
Much like Will, she was pleasantly surprised by the community support she received for her fundraising efforts, admitting she had felt “daunted” at the thought of raising money.
“I found people very willing to donate, especially when I shared photos and updates on training and making the story personal.”
The trekkers were joined by Professor Alicia Oshlack, Head of the Computational Biology Program at Peter Mac. Prof Oshlack was inspired to join by both a love of physical challenges and a personal connection to Central Australia, where she had lived briefly as an infant.
As a researcher, Prof Oshlack was able to provide her fellow trekkers with a unique first-hand insight into the cancer research they were fundraising for. In turn, Prof Oshlack found spending time with the group of fundraisers rewarding.
“The group of fundraisers were inspirational, with many personal connections through their cancer journeys, and are people I want to continue to connect with.”
The Larapinta Challenge Trek provided many moments of fun and reflection for the trekkers. For Will, Simpson’s Gap was a particularly profound experience.
“I distinctly remember everyone becoming silent as we went in, as though we were overcome with awe. I remember feeling a wave of peace and calm travel through my body.
“It is a sacred place and I could feel it.”
Lucy and Prof Oshlack both list Ormiston Gorge as a highlight, where they enjoyed swimming and boulder clambering. An especially lovely moment was meeting the family running the kiosk at Ormiston Gorge. When the family found out that the trekkers were fundraising for cancer, they gave everyone ice cream and donated $200 for the cause!
Overall, the trekkers raised an incredible $45,918 for cancer research. Thank you to this inspiring group of fundraisers for their incredible efforts in making a real difference in the fight against cancer.
If you are interested in fundraising for cancer research, whether through taking on a challenge adventure like Larapinta or creating your own event, you can read more about getting involved on our website: Fundraise for the Peter Mac Foundation