Riding on horseback across Australia is a challenge. For Kerry Stanley it’s an ambition. Kerry is currently riding from Bindoon, Western Australia to Beaudesert Queensland, raising the awareness and funds in aid of breast cancer.
After travelling for 12 weeks and covering 3400kms Kerry and her dedicated crew stopped in Cobar for a well-earned rest.
“My grand-mother died from it, my mother suffered from it and I have had lumps removed” said Kerry.
The support for kerry has been overwhelming. So she has raised over $8000 dollars along the way. During her stay in Cobar she collected about $2000, Money raised will go towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation. “We have had 6 tonne on horse feed donated by Thompson and Redwood produce supplies and hay donated by Gilmac” said Kerry “All feed has been organised and delivered to various drop off points along the way, planning and organising supplies and needs for the horses has taken 12 months”.
Kerry grew up in the outback in South Australia and Western Australia. Having worked on stations Kerry is well experienced in endurance riding. Her horses looked to be in remarkable condition considering the distance. There are five horses, all are pure Arabs raised in the same stud.
There’s more than just Kerry and her horses making this trip. Kerry has two daughters to look after aswell, 12-year-old Shannon and 10-year-old Kate are also making the trip. Kerry has a truck to carry horses and equipment which is being driven by Kelvin Vaughan, a volunteer who offered to drive the truck from Broken Hill to Gundoowindi. “I am amazed at how dedicated the girls are, they really support Kerry” Kelvin Said. The truck is also used as a place to sleep, Kerry and the girls clean out the back of the truck everynight so they can roll out their swags ready for the nights sleep.
The trip is expected to take three months. From Cobar they intend to travel through Warren, Coonabarabran and then make their way north through Gondiwindi through to Beaudesert. The horses travel at pace of 6km/h, each day they cover about 60kms.
Kerrys web site is http://www.kerrysride4life.org.au/
PhotogeniquE IPA
a truely inspirational woman
GailD
I wish her all the best. What a strong, brave woman she is. My thoughts go to her, her family & team on this journey.