Lyndell Farmer-Smith
Cause: Breast Cancer Network Australia
Adventure: BCNA’s Great Aussie Outback Trek
As our Adventurer of the Month, Lyndell has scored herself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.
What inspired you to take on your Inspired Adventure with BCNA?
My Mum is my inspiration, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, not long after having surgery to remove half of her bowel from cancer. My mum is my rock, she looks after everyone else before herself and even when she was sick she still didn’t want to inconvenience any of us, trying to get herself to the hospital and doctors appointments. Mum has recovered from her surgery and radiation treatment and at the moment is all clear. It was by chance, scrolling through my facebook newsfeed at the time of mum’s diagnosis that I saw the trek for BCNA and knew that this is how I can help, this is how I can make a difference.
How did you feel leading up to the challenge?
It has felt like forever to finally get here but now that it is only days away I am super excited. I can’t wait to get out into the desert and meet all the other beautiful souls that are taking on this journey. I have been reading through everyone’s stories with tears in my eyes. it is going to be an emotional roller coaster.
Have you ever been to the Red Centre before?
We were in the NT in 2014 on a family holiday and had taken a few days to explore the East MacDonnell Ranges, when we returned to Alice to head out along the Western Ranges we received a call from home that my mother in law was not well and we had to head straight home, unfortunately she passed away before we made it home.
"I have been looking for a way to do something that not only benefits me but can help others as well."
What were some of the highlights of your fundraising experience?
The amazing support from the community. My walk on the Kiama Coastal Track was featured in the local paper and I was interviewed by a student from the local university. I also got to chat with ladies that had been supported by BCNA during their illness. I could see the results of all the fundraising that had been done before to support ladies (and men) when they are diagnosed with breast cancer.
What has been your biggest challenge in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?
I am not so great at asking for handouts, so asking people for money has been difficult, however once you get the conversation going, many people are willing to donate and support my journey. Many have stories of their own to share.
Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?
This will be my first adventure of this size, I have always loved the outdoors, camping and exploring new places, especially our beautiful country. While I have been out walking and getting my training sorted, I have had time to reflect on my own life and goals and gained some clarity in who I want to be and what I want to achieve. I am very keen to continue this journey after my time on the Larapinta. I have been looking for a way to do something that not only benefits me but can help others as well.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to climbing Mt Sonder and capturing a gorgeous outback sunrise to add to my photography portfolio.
What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?
Just do it, sign up and sort it out as you go. I am sure I will learn plenty while I am out in the desert 🙂
Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher
Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!
@INSPIREDADVENTURES
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