The Outback Long Ride: one young woman’s journey on horseback to raise vital funds for Pancare
Sarah Wheeler is turning the double tragedy and loss of both her parents into motivation and inspiration, as she embarks on an epic nine-month, 5,500 kilometre horse ride across NSW and Queensland to raise vital funds for the Pancare Foundation.
Titled ‘The Outback Long Ride’, the ride is proudly sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions and CRT.
“Sarah’s family are long-term Nutrien customers and supporters, and we were saddened to hear of the loss of her parents, Gavin and Terri who both passed away in recent years,” said Damon Ferguson, General Manager – North East Central Division at Nutrien Ag Solutions.
At the age of just 25, Sarah and her three sisters were left with the responsibility of their family property at Rowena, in North West NSW. Their mother died from biliary cancer in 2022 and their father Gavin died in 2010, suddenly and unexpectedly from an enlarged heart.
“Feeling broken and lost in the wake of losing two parents in such a short time and so young, I just knew I wanted to do something meaningful to help me to find focus and healing, while helping and inspiring others to do the same,” said Sarah.
The Outback Long Ride is the answer to that soul searching. Along with raising vital funds for Pancare, Sarah is hoping her ride will help spread awareness for her future endeavours of her own charity 'A Daughter's Way, to support families experiencing grief and loss.
Along with her horses, Shifty and Sally, Sarah’s ride will take her from her home at Rowena, in North West NSW to Mt Isa, across to Charters Towers and down to Wagga Wagga, before looping back up through Central NSW to return home. Travelling through outback communities, Sarah will be using the opportunity to document her travels through photography that she's aiming to turn into a coffee table book, an exhibition and maybe even a documentary.
“As part of our sponsorship of ‘The Outback Long Ride’, Nutrien and CRT will be supplying horse feed and hay bales for the duration of the trek,” said Damon Ferguson.
“Our branches and stores along her route are excited to get behind this initiative and will be helping to promote and support Sarah in their communities.”
‘The Outback Long Ride’ commenced May 2024 and will conclude mid-late February 2025 pending weather and other factors.
Join us in supporting this important initiative by donating to: Sarah Wheeler Pancare Foundation – Community Fundraising
For more information, visit The Outback Long Ride - Sarah Wheeler's Journey for Cancer Awareness
You can follow The Outback Long Ride at @_beneaththebrim on Instagram or here on Facebook.