Desert Walk Raises Funds for Kidney Dialysis

By Katelynn Barnatt August 22, 2011
Reading Time: < 1 Print this page
Melbourne man is crossing the Western Desert to help pay for the treatment of kidney disease.

KEN MCGREGOR IS WALKING 1500km across the Western Desert to help fund the cost of a mobile dialysis unit that will serve remote desert communities.

The vehicle, being built in Adelaide, will allow people to receive treatment while remaining close to family.

Ken, a Melbourne art consultant, hopes to raise $100,000 for the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal run by the Nganampa Walytja Palyanjaku Tjutka Aboriginal Corporation.  His efforts support the Purple House dialysis clinic in Alice Springs as well as the mobile dialysis truck.

“I’ve seen the effects of kidney disease,” says Ken. “It’s terrifying to visit the Purple House and see 30 people hooked up to machines.”

Ken is aiming to raise awareness of kidney disease sufferers in Aboriginal and remote communities to people across Australian cities.

“It’s such a good cause that if I have to do it on my hands and knees, I’ll do it,” Ken says. 

Ken left Alice Springs on 1 August and plans to walk to Kiwirrkurra in Western Australia via remote communities at Yuendumu, Papunya, Haasts Bluff, Mt Liebig and Kintore.

Find out how you can help here.