Hope 2011: Stories that must be told-ABC Radio National
Shaking the dust from our boots Esther and I headed to Sydney on Monday 24th as we’d been shortlisted in the top 10 stories for this national short story writing competition held in early January. It was a thrill to be sitting in a packed recital hall at Angel Place in the city with a panel of notable Australians including MC Wendy Harmer, Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Jeff Heugill, amazing singer songwriter Emma Donovan (who has strong family ties here on the Macleay) and many others. Wendy Harmer is just exceptional and opened the event with such enthusiasm the energy in the room was electric! It was broadcast live on ABC Radio National and also internationally, Esther and I received a mention for our stories and were invited for after show drinks. The response to our story from the presenters and organisers was great. I am sure big things will come of this!
Esther and Maura at Hope 2011
Today 26th of January Australia Day Titan and Meg begin their training! Esther is heading of to Coffs with the two horses in tow to begin the massive job of getting the team fit for the trek. Esther will be continuing working at Jay Jays, Just Jeans and The Park Beach Bowling Club in the Bistro as well as training and chasing down sponsors, connecting with people en-route, and preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally. 3am starts are going to become routine!! The modification’s to the truck are beginning engineer James Findlay from Kempsey is helping design and revamp the truck so it is practical for the job it will serve on the trek. Not only will it be carry all of the equipment, it will serve as our home, and an advertising tool for all of our generous sponsors. The truck is going to have all of the ride4acure info and major sponsors signed on all three sides. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic spray painter to give the truck a face lift!
As a last note would like to thank the generous primary producer who wishes to remain anonymous for donating close to $800 through the sale of livestock at the Kempsey Stock and Land Cattle sale.
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:19 pm
That’s a lovely photos of mother and daughter with the Hope 2011 banner. There is another sweet one of you both up at the Hope 2011 website: http://www.pool.org.au/image/hope_2011/maura_and_esther_at_hope_2011
It was a joy to meet you both at the Recital Hall event and I wish you every success in your journey for a cure for melanoma and of course all the best for the ‘big ride’. JB 🙂