What is Akta Vite Campfires Against Cancer?

In June 2002, Dan Phegan, Ian James and their support crew will ride out of Darwin on an epic horse ride/cattle drive across Australia, finishing in Corryong Victoria.
The trip will take approximately 10 months and the primary objective is to raise funds for cancer research.

What is the purpose of Campfires Against Cancer?

·To raise $500,000 for research into finding a cure for cancer
·It is the belief of both men that with enough funding, all forms of cancer can be beaten. It is simply a matter of time and research - but without money there can be little research
·With Australia celebrating the International Year of the Outback in 2002, Campfires Against Cancer seeks to involve rural communities in the fight against cancer

What is involved in the trek?

·Campfires Against Cancer is the longest Charity Horse Ride in the world
·It will primarily involve Dan and Ian and a support crew of 10 - all dedicating over 10 months of their lives to this cause
·Approximately 20km of riding per day - by at least 2 horses and riders
·Over 4,500 kilometres in total
·The trip from Darwin to Corryong will take at least10 months or more of riding
·The Team will spend at least 284 nights away
·The route passes through over 70 towns
·The Team will be stopping along the way to "share their campfire" with local communities. There are concerts and performances planned to assist in reaching the final goal of $500,000 (details will be posted on the website as they become available:

How will they raise the money?

·Donations from the public can be made at any Commonwealth Bank or by visiting the Campfires Against Cancer website on www.campfires.org.au
·In conjunction with raffles and other fund raising initiatives, the Team will be asking each farm along the route from Goondiwindi to Wodonga if they are able to donate a cow or steer. Once the herd is of a suitable size it will be sold and all proceeds donated to the Cancer Council
·Riders joining the team along the way will pay $50.00 per day which will be donated to the Cancer Council

Who is supporting them?

Akta Vite is the platinum sponsor of Campfires Against Cancer. Other major sponsors include:

·Telstra Country Wide
·Commonwealth Bank
·Copra Cool Fuel
·LNT
·WA Phegan & Son
·Old Mac's
·Pegasus Communications

To enable this epic journey, many organisations have contributed funds or services. For example, Telstra Country Wide will be providing 2 satellite phones, 2 CDMA phones (set up for internet access) to ensure the riders can keep in contact along the way.

How can the public get involved?

·Members of the public are welcome to ride with the Team for part of their journey at a cost of $50.00 per person, per day (BYO everything) which is donated to the Cancer Council. Motor cycles, bikes, four wheel drives - all are welcome to join the group on the journey. For further information on this, please contact Dan Phegan (contact details attached) or visit the website www.campfires.org.au
·A trail riding company will be providing the opportunity for people to ride for a section of the journey, fully catered with proceeds going to the cause. For information contact Dan Phegan.
·By making donations at any Commonwealth Bank Branch or visiting the website - follow the links to the "donations" page.

About the Website

Campfires Against Cancer website provides comprehensive details and background on all the Team, the itinerary, a map of the journey
It also includes information on how the public can make donations and make tributes to friends and relatives who have died from cancer.
The site also has an extensive media centre which contains media alerts of upcoming events and media releases both archive and current.  

For further information:

Akta Vite Campfires Aganst Cancer Organisers
Dan Phergan
419 David St
Albury, NSW, 2640
Phone CAC Hotline (02) 6023 1000
Email:dan@campfires.org.au

Sponsorship and Media
Catriona McGauchie
Phone: (03) 5436 8371
Fax:   (03) 5436 8392
Mobile: 0428 368 371
Email: catriona.mcgauchie@bigpond.com

"Akta Vite Campfires Against Cancer" is a registered fundraising organisation.
 Cancer Council Event Number: W144/00
Incorporation Number: INC9875836