FUNDRAISING for sick North West kids is coming straight from the horses' mouths this week as the Royal Far West Charity Drive gets under way.
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The third annual sulky drive has attracted almost 30 sulkies, horses and 56 drivers and crew to travel the 257km across the Liverpool Plains.
The ride began after Trish and Bill Greer decided they wanted to do something to raise money for the charity.
"Quirindi is the only Royal Far West organisation in the Tamworth, Coonabarabran and Gunnedah region and I realised they were running short of funds and short of people to keep it going in this area," Mr Greer said.
"Organising this event encouraged a bit of interest. We have drivers coming in from all over NSW to participate in this.
"They will be raising funds for their own areas because, although the money goes to Sydney, it goes to all the children in NSW who need those facilities."
Royal Far West is a charity that helps NSW country children access specialist healthcare services.
The drive started from the Riverside Park Area, Nundle, on Sunday and finishes at the Spring Ridge Country Club on Saturday.
Royal Far West chief executive officer Lindsay Cane said the charity helped children from Quirindi and Tamworth to attend the facility at Manly.
"We work hard to ensure that all kids from remote and isolated areas of NSW can access healthcare services for a wide range of developmental issues," Ms Cane said.
"It's exciting to know that Royal Far West have such a strong support base in the heart of country NSW.
"We are so appreciative of the region's generosity and care."
Mr Greer said he hoped this year's drive was the best yet.
"Royal Far West helps nearly 150 kids every year from our area. We thought the drive was a good way to help fundraise for this great organisation," he said.
