AFTER losing his mum to cancer and with his brother battling the disease, West Australian Ian Retallack decided to get out and do something and it’s brought him all the way to Tamworth.
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This something has involved a year on the road with horses Matt and Paddy, a cart and a dog named Russ, and, with nearly three years left of his trip, he’s trotted into Tamworth for a few months.
Mr Retallack hit the road on October 27 last year from Boyup Brook in WA and has raised $50,000 so far.
“I’m proud about getting to Tamworth,” he said.
He lost his mum to breast cancer and his brother has bowel cancer.
Mr Retallack will spend time in Tamworth before his son, Ashley, picks him up for Christmas with his family in Coffs Harbour. “This ride means a lot to my son, Ashley,” he said.
“If I say I’ll do something, I’ll do it.”
Having been around horses all his life, Mr Retallack said he wanted to do his fundraising with a horse and cart, rather than the running, walking or riding that others are doing.
The major fundraiser in Tamworth is at The Pub on Saturday, November 29 with The Hughes Brothers Band playing, a jumping castle from Rascals on Castles, face painting from Carolyne Morris and Jodie Herden and support from The Pub Fishing Club.
After Christmas, Mr Retallack will reunite with his horses and continue to fundraise throughout the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Then he heads to Gunnedah, Goondiwindi, Longreach, Mt Isa, Three Ways, Katherine then either Darwin or back into Western Australia. He has about three more years on the road to look forward to.
“The highlights have been the people I have met,” he said.
“I couldn’t have done this without the truck drivers and farmers of this country. My mum would love me for this.”
Mr Retallack said he believed his mother was with him on his travels. He is writing a book about his adventures.
“I think I’m the first person in the world to do this. I’d love to raise $1 million, but if I saved one child’s life, then I’ve done what I wanted to do,” he said.
All money is going to the Cancer Council for research.
To donate, visit http://wa.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/Rattlesride