Just several weeks into their longest charity horse ride in the world, the ‘Akta-vite Campfires Against Cancer’ Charity Horse Ride are well on their way towards their target of raising $500,000 for cancer research.

The team, led by Dan Phegan (aged 26) and Ian James (aged 35) from Albury in NSW, have so far raised more than $90,000.

The riders left Darwin on 30 June on their journey to Corryong Victoria, with plans to chalk up more than 4,500 kilometres and pass through 70 towns over the next nine months.

Music producer and ‘legend’ Garth Porter has thrown his support behind the cause, approaching the ‘cream of country music’ to donate a song for a compilation album ‘Trail of Dreams’.

The album, available nationally through leading music retailers with proceeds going to The Cancer Council, boasts leading artists including Kasey Chambers, Lee Kernaghan, Tania Kernaghan, Troy Cassar Daley, Beccy Cole, Darren Cogan, Korey Ivy, Sara Storer and Martin Oaks.

The Northern Territory town of Katherine recently saw the return of country music star Sara Storer for her home-coming concert to mark the national release of the album and launch of her new song ‘Trail of Dreams’, written specifically for the charity horse ride.

Sara will travel to Mt Isa in mid-September to meet up with the Akta-vite Campfires Against Cancer Charity Horse Ride and perform a second concert.

The founder and chairman of 2002 Australia’s Year of the Outback and long-time supporter of Dan and Ian’s initiative, Mr Bruce Campbell, saw the riders off on their epic journey.

Mr Campbell appointed Dan Phegan and Ian James as Year of the Outback ambassadors in recognition of their contribution to raising awareness of the Outback.

“I urge Australians to get behind Akta-Vite Campfires Against Cancer either by making a donation or by finding some time to spend in the saddle,” Mr Campbell said.

He paid tribute to the team in involving rural communities in the fight against cancer in this Australia’s Year of the Outback.

The Akta-Vite Campfires Against Cancer team will be travelling through major outback centres such as Mount Isa, Longreach and Cloncurry, reaching Tamworth for the week of the country music festival in January 2003.

Upcoming towns and proposed arrival dates are:
Daly Waters2 AugustNewcastle Waters8 August
Three Ways20 AugustBarkley Roadhouse29 August
Camooweal9 SeptemberMt Isa19 September
Cloncurry29 SeptemberWinton11 October

The journey then continues through inland NSW and down to Victoria, reaching the final destination of Corryong on April 10, 2003 to coincide with the opening of ‘The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival’.

Donations can be made to the Akta-Vite Campfires Against Cancer appeal - account 06 2000 1107
2911 – via the internet (www.campfires.org.au) or at any Commonwealth Bank Branch in Australia.

The team extends an invitation to anyone wanting to join them for part of the journey - on horse back, motor bike, four wheel drive - all are welcome.

For more information on Campfires Against Cancer visit www.campfires.org.au and for the Year of the Outback visit www.outback2002.com
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For media information and interviews with The Akta-Vite Campfires against Cancer Team
contact Catriona McGauchie – 0428 368 371 or (03) 9654 1999.

For media information 2002 Australia’s Year of the Outback contact Susan Smith on tel (07) 3837 0205.

Photo caption: Founder and chairman of 2002 Australia’s Year of the Outback Bruce Campbell (centre) farewells Ian James (left) and Dan Phegan on their epic journey to raise money for The Cancer Council.