The What About Life charity horse ride kicked off yesterday after a year of fundraising and preparation spearheaded by 22 year old organiser Cassie Newsome.
Departing Glen Innes with her support crew on Sunday, Ms Newsome began her drug awareness campaign at two Ipswich schools yesterday and is aiming to visit 30-40 schools as she makes her way on horseback to the final destination of Sydney on August 26.
What About Life was officially launched last year on August 9 by Ms Newsome who was inspired to educate youths on the impact of drugs after losing her own mother to a drug overdose, when she was eight.
“The main goal for me is motivating and changing the lives of as many teenagers as possible,” she said.
What About Life has been in the public eye since the launch with such events as the rugby league recovery challenge, four wheeled spectacular at this year’s Glen Innes Show, and most recently the mock deb ball, all receiving overwhelming community support.
Ms Newsome will be joined for the entire ride by young rider Ace Holliss, as well as numerous celebrity riders such as Senior Constable Chris Elvins, Pat Lonergan, Steve Toms and Richard Torbay in the New England region.
The primary focus of the ride will be educating teenagers but will also serve as a fundraiser for the Sydney-based Ted Noffs Foundation. Ms Newsome is aiming to raise $150,000 with numerous fundraising events along the way that will be highlighted by a charity bash in Glen Innes that will coincide with the rugby league clash against Uralla on August 2.
Entertainment will begin with the four grades competing, with the A grade side to wear purple socks to show their support, and will continue long into the night with a ute muster, mutton muster, footballers versus cowboys calcutta on a mechanical bull and band The Blue Zone performing. Tickets are available at the Services Club for $20.
Ms Newsome said after all the work that had been put in she is ecstatic her dream is finally becoming a reality.
“With it finally happening I feel like it is a dream come true. It is one I have had since I was a young girl but had kept to myself. I am happy if I can change the life of one person and overwhelmed if I can make a difference to thousands,” she said.
“I really want to thank everyone who has stood by me through the ups and the downs and offered their time to support me.”
E The Examiner hopes to run excerpts of a blog from Ms Newsome in Tuesday editions of the Examiner during the What About Life journey.