Four runners are taking on a 6,000 kilometre run from Cape York to Wilsons Promontory, aiming for a world record and a $1 million fundraising target for Destiny Rescue. Destiny Rescue is a non-profit organisation with a mission to rescue children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation and equip them to stay free.
Griffin Hughes, Flinders Cobley, Chelsea Dyer and Nathan Maufe left the tip of Cape York on Saturday 1 August, hoping to reach Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, the southernmost point of the Australian mainland, in around 80 days. All four are running the entire distance together, covering 75 kilometres a day (close to two marathons), as they attempt a world record for the fastest crossing of Australia's east coast on foot.
"This was never about us," Mr. Hughes said.
"Every single day, we carry one purpose with us: 476 children are enduring unimaginable pain right now, waiting to be rescued. It's about raising awareness, saving those children, and giving them a future where hope isn't just possible, it's real."
Destiny Rescue Fundraising Manager Gavin McCulloch said the run would carry the cause the length of the country.
"Every stranger who stops to ask, shares it online, or gives what they can is growing something bigger than any one run, a whole community standing up for children who can't stand up for themselves. That's how more children step into freedom," Mr McCulloch said.
Destiny Rescue was founded in Australia in 2001 and works internationally to rescue children from trafficking and sexual exploitation and equip them to stay free. Since 2001 it has helped more than 27,000 people to freedom.
You can follow their progress and support them at runaustralia.org.
About us:
About Destiny Rescue
Destiny Rescue is a non-profit organisation with a mission to rescue children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation and equip them to stay free. Destiny Rescue has rescued 27,000+ survivors from exploitation in five regions around the world and assisted in the arrest of many perpetrators. After a survivor is rescued, next steps are determined to meet her needs, reduce the vulnerabilities that led to exploitation and empower a life of freedom. This process may include family reunification, entrusting her care to government agencies or enrolment in Destiny Rescue care.
Additional resources on Destiny Rescue's work are available on our website, including more about us, where we work and stories of rescue and freedom.
