Photos supplied by Craniofacial Australia.
Harry, Henry, and George are three mates of two species with one mission: to raise funds for a meaningful and deeply personal cause.
Harry Vidal is a human, and Henry and George are horses—Clydesdales, to be exact—who have recently set off on a mighty trek to raise funds for Craniofacial Australia, a charity dedicated to supporting people living with craniofacial conditions and deformities.
On 11th May, in Morgan, South Australia, Harry hitched Henry and George to his homemade wagon and took off on their adventure.
They’re currently trotting over 1,150 km to reach Cunnamulla in Queensland. At a pace of 20 km per day, it will take them three and a half months to reach their destination.
Harry, from Rockleigh, South Australia, has been trekking around Australia with his Clydesdales for years. He is dedicating each trek to a specific cause, such as Beyond Blue, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Craniofacial Australia, for the second time after raising funds for them back in 2016.
So far, Harry has raised over $17,000 for Craniofacial Australia over the years.
Harry’s dedication to Craniofacial Australia’s work is deeply personal. He grew up witnessing his brother’s struggles with a craniofacial deformity, which has fueled his passion for this cause.
Living with a craniofacial condition not only impacts a person’s physical appearance, but it profoundly affects their self-esteem and how others perceive and treat them.
While some people are born with a craniofacial condition, others experience a facial deformity later in life due to cancer, a sporting injury, an accident, or other factors.
Depending on the severity of the condition, a person’s essential functions, such as eating, hearing, and seeing, can also be impaired. Treatment can range from one-off remedies to long-term management plans lasting throughout infancy, childhood, and adulthood.
The money Harry is raising will provide others with the support that his brother would have benefitted from.
Along with kicking up the dust and taking in the beautiful scenery as he makes his way through the varied and often remote landscapes, Harry will make regular stop-offs to meet locals and educate them about the work undertaken by Craniofacial Australia.
Harry’s trek is not just a personal journey but a testament to the power of community support. At times, he relies on public support to feed and care for his horses, and even himself.
Christina Panagopoulos, Craniofacial Australia’s Marketing Manager, shared her appreciation of Harry’s efforts:
“Harry is a valued, long-standing supporter of Craniofacial Australia. Beyond being an avid fundraiser, he is a humble man who believes in the power of human connection and giving back. As part of Harry’s Mighty Trek, Harry will cover over 1,500 km in his trailer, thanks to his two mighty Clydesdale horses, George and Henry. We are grateful for their commitment to raising awareness and vital funds for Craniofacial Australia.”
The funds Harry raises will contribute to Craniofacial Australia’s funding of Patient Support programs (including financial assistance and care packs), vital craniofacial research throughout Australia, and Training and Education programs for the surgical community.
Last fiscal year, they invested $200,000 into research to improve outcomes for people with craniofacial anomalies. That’s no small feat, and it’s through the support of the public and heroes like Harry, that this is made possible.
You can support Harry, Henry and George to raise awareness and funds for Craniofacial Australia by visiting the “Harrys Mighty Trek” fundraising page, via the link below: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/344540/harrys-mighty-trek
Make sure to check in on their progress via the “Harry’s on a new adventure” Facebook page. And, if you’re on the same path, you might get lucky with a sighting of this unique trio. If you do (and even if you don’t), please consider contributing to the tremendous efforts of this trio to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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