Nathanael steps out on challenging trek

HIS bags are tightly packed, his legs are pumping and his brow is slick with sweat, but Nathanael Frawley is just a day into a 500km trek from Brisbane to Roma.

OLD KIT BAG: Nathanael Frawley packs up the equipment needed to keep him going during the gruelling trek. Picture: Contributed

HIS bags are tightly packed, his legs are pumping and his brow is slicked with sweat, but Nathaneal Frawley is just one day into a 500km trek from Brisbane to Roma.

If not for his army training, the path along the Warrego Hwy that lies before him might seem an impossible task.

Fortunately, one motivating inspiration will drive him forward on his 16-day journey - his stepfather, Garry Alexander.

Mr Frawley's single aim is to raise enough money for his stepfather to spend his days in his Roma home, after enduring months in hospital for motor neurone disease treatment.

The disease is incurable and terminal, but Mr Alexander's family is committed to keeping him by its side.

To do so, their Roma home must be completely reconfigured to allow Mr Alexander to live comfortably.

He returned home last week, becoming the state's first motor neurone disease sufferer west of Brisbane to receive mechanical ventilation outside of a hospital or high-care facility.

Mr Frawley set off from his Brisbane home yesterday and plans to reach the daunting incline of the Toowoomba Range on Tuesday.

He will spend his nights camping by the roadside, putting his army training to good use.

His mother Kylie Alexander could not be prouder.

"Words can't explain how proud we are," she said.

"Nathaneal came up with the idea by himself.

"He wants Garry to be comfortable and not have to worry about finances."

Lend a hand

Donations to help keep Garry Alexander with his family can be made to:Commonwealth Bank of AustraliaBirrali Schefe ITF Kylie Alexander BSB: 064 428ACC: 1021 2599

Originally published as Nathanael steps out on challenging trek