Travelling in a horse-drawn wagon at an average speed of five kilometres an hour - 25km a day - may be obsolete from days long gone, but it is the reality for one dedicated man on an epic four-year journey around Australia.
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Ian Retallack recently spent time in Forbes as part of his trip around Australia in a wagon with his two horses, Matt and Paddy, and dog Russ.
He has been on the road for nearly a year, having travelled 4000km since leaving Perth back on October 28, 2013.
The journey is all to raise much-needed money for cancer treatment, a cause close to Mr Retallack’s heart.
“I’m doing it for my mum who died of cancer just before her 70th birthday, on November 28, 2012,” Mr Retallack said.
“I promised her I’d do this before she died.
“I’ve got to do this for my family.”
His mother battled cancer for ten years before she passed away and, not long before her passing, Mr Retallack’s brother was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
He has so far managed to raise nearly $47,000 for Cancer Council.
Mr Retallack said the people he has met along the way are what makes the journey so worthwhile.
He has been very much humbled by all the help and support he has received from people along every step of the way.
“It’s all about everyone pulling together – I might do the hard yards but everyone helps,” he said.
“People have been inspirational…they say I’m inspirational but the people of these towns have just been incredible.”
Mr Retallack said he relies on the support of people to get through, for everything from supplying feed for his horses to free accommodation and is overwhelmed by how many people are willing to help out.
“I’ve never paid for accommodation since I’ve been on the road,” he said.
His wagon is an impressive set-up – it is fully solar powered, has a fridge, flashing lights and a bed, which he sleeps on most nights.
While in Forbes, Mr Retallack camped at the showground.
He wants to thank a number of people who have helped him during his five days in Forbes, including Forbes CRT for supplying horse feed and one of the local motels who gave him a free meal at their restaurant.
He especially wants to thank Simon from Lachlan Valley Veterinary Clinic, who helped look after his horses, one of whom isn’t very well.
From Forbes, Mr Retallack headed to Parkes on Tuesday and is making his way up to Coff Harbour, where he is looking forward to spending a month with his son and grandchildren for Christmas.
After a whole year on the road, Mr Retallack said the month-long break will be much-needed before he continues on for the next three years.
“This is four years of my life – I’m 53 now and will be 56 when I finish,” he said.
To donate and support Mr Retallack’s journey, go to http://wa.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/Rattlesride