Time to move on from highlighting lessons of others to generating some lessons of our own.
The ‘Old Crocks’ Simpson Desert Charity Fund-raiser
Four men over 60, two vehicles over 30, and a bunch of second-hand equipment into the Simpson Desert: that mesmerizing land of endless dunes, ancient culture, and untamed adventure. What could possibly go wrong?!
It all began with a simple idea: think up a challenge, do it, and do some good along the way. As I ease towards retirement it felt like the right moment to combine fun, a bit of adrenaline and purpose. What better way to spend these “young old” years than embarking on an adventure that is both fun and useful?
What about this vintage Land Rover? Built in the year of our marriage, it’s really an old crock now. Most vehicles this age are polished up and paraded at shows, but what if we took this one, and one like it, across the Simpson Desert in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre?
And not just any route – the toughest of all: the Madigan Line?
And so the ‘Old Crocks’ adventure was born.
Challenges and adventures attract attention. My three partners in folly and I share a common past. As former British Army subalterns we’ve all sat in Land Rovers a lot. But officers are never allowed to actually drive! – far too irresponsible for that. The idea of four men in a Land Rover muddling their way across the world’s largest parallel sand dune desert in 35-year old vehicles has got to draw some attention, so let’s see if we can make this one work for good!
Brightening the future
Our theme? In a land of almost endless sunshine ‘Brightening the future’, makes sense. Our aim is to raise money to give light to those in a darker space. Sadly, we all have those in our community. So we’ve focused on four that mean something to us personally.
Two focus on children and young people, because they are our future – for our planet (- and not just for our retirement homes!).
- Onside builds state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound Youth Zones in the UK’s most economically disadvantaged areas. For every £1 ($2) raised, there’s a return of over £13 ($26) of social value in young people’s wellbeing. Feeling ‘free to have fun, to feel safe and to feel confident in themselves’.
- The Smith Family helps young Australians to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty. Just $58 (£29) a month can provide a child with school essentials; stationery, backpacks, shoes, a uniform, school books and funds for a school excursion.
Two focus on veterans, because they are our past.
- Mates4Mates actively changes the lives of current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and families, impacted by service. $49 (£25) can connect a veteran with a Liaison Officer who will guide them to reconnect and recover.
- Combat Stress delivers specialist treatment for UK veterans with complex mental health needs, whilst supporting their families and network, to help them tackle the past and take on their future. £82 ($164) funds a 1:1 session for a veteran with a mental health nurse to help them with a range of different issues.
We also aim to brighten your future – or more realistically day – by sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between through our blog (hosted here on the Old Crocks Simpson Desert adventure blog) and invite you to follow along.
As I said, four men over 60, two vehicles over 30, and a bunch of second-hand equipment into the Simpson Desert: that mesmerizing land of endless dunes, ancient culture, and untamed adventure. What could possibly go wrong?!
How to contribute
We’re seeking funds in two countries and spreading what we raise across four charities. The GoFundMe site is based in Australia.
You can support these worthy causes through our GoFundMe page. While donations aren’t tax-deductible, every penny or cent (less GoFundMe transaction fees) will go directly to the charities. The trip itself is entirely self-funded, with participants already among the first donors.
We are aware that fundraising can be regarded as a commercial activity under some circumstances, requiring additional licences or permits. To minimise the additional expenditure and complication of these, fundraising will be suspended over certain dates. Please note that, when we advertise these dates, we will not be able to accept contributions to our chosen charities. Any such funds will be returned. Thank you.
Please note that funds will be raised across two countries and divided among four charities, so exchange rates may vary. Join us as we take on this ambitious venture, because when it comes to brightening lives, every little bit helps!