It takes incredible strength of character to turn something tragic into something hopeful. That's what one young rural woman has done following the devastating loss of both her parents. After losing her father to a heart condition when she was just 12 years old, she then lost her mother to a rare form of cancer. Her horses became her lifeline. Now, they are her full-time companions as she rides 5-and-a-half thousand kilometres across outback Queensland and NSW, to raise money for cancer research.
The incredibly resilient woman in the saddle, Sarah Wheeler, talks about breathtaking sunsets, wonderful yarns with strangers and a few rodeos along the way too. Her journey is an epic one, but she's relishing the challenge. "I've had little girls come up to me along the way and say they want to be just like me. It's just so cute," Sarah shares. To get to this point though, she spent a good 12 months planning the route and logistics.
Sarah describes herself as an adventurous person, having travelled to more than 25 countries. But something more is inspiring her on this mission. That is the memory of her parents.
I felt like I was a bit lost after we lost mum. I wanted to do something in memory and honour of them.
Sarah's voice cracks as she talks about her mum. Her grief is still so raw. The gastrointestinal cancer that claimed her is rare, and treatment options are limited. Sarah is making it her mission to raise money for the Pancare Foundation, a charity that helps Australians diagnosed with those less well-known cancers.
You can tell the family was incredibly close before tragedy struck. Sarah and her three sisters grew up on an 11 000-acre cropping property in Rowena, NSW. "We've been through a lot together," says Sarah. The farm is currently leased while Sarah, with the support of her siblings, embarks on The Outback Long Ride.
Grief never goes away. I am on this journey to help heal. But grief is something that's with you for life.
Her other, more constant, companions of course, are her horses, Shifty and Sally. "I ride 30Ks a day. Sometimes a bit less if someone invites me to stay or come for a BBQ."
Rocky ride
Sarah's biggest challenge so far has been some apparent creamy coloured rocks. "I saw ahead of me, two big creamy rocks. Anyway, they started to come to life, and they grew a neck and a head. There were two big camels! You can bet I'll turn my horses around straight away," she laughs. Sarah called her support crew to meet her with the horse floats and managed to safely pass without incident, but she's very grateful her horses weren't charged at, or spooked.
In another beautiful show of family solidarity, her support crew is her aunty and uncle - her mum's brother. "Originally, I was going to do this whole thing solo. Pack saddle and everything. I can't imagine galloping away from a camel chasing me with a pack horse," she laughs.
Her horses are handling the journey well and still run to Sarah at the start of every day to get going. "I had them checked out recently and the vet was really shocked at how good the horses looked, she asked if they were the horses I've had the whole ride or whether they were fresh out of the paddock!"
You can support Sarah by visiting her website. She welcomes donations or even fundraisers along the way in local pubs. All help is welcome from a pass-the-hat around to a more formal country ball. "If you want to come out and ride with me for a few kilometres, I love that. It's actually been a highlight. I get to listen to their stories, for a couple of hours on the road."
Sarah is also a very talented photographer, so expect to see some breathtaking images of this trip on her website and Instagram account Beneath the Brim.
If Sarah continues at her pace of 30 kilometres a day, 5 days a week, she should be home by mid-February, with an incredible story to tell.
And what about when she gets home? "I'm a big dreamer. I have many, many dreams and goals and aspirations. I've always been that way." One of those dreams is to set up her own charity called A Daughter's Way to help families deal with loss. One day she hopes to incorporate equine therapy and counselling at a rural clinic.
For now, let the ride continue.
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