Tag Archives: cancer

Here is what you can expect on the 3rd Annual Crackin’ Cancer Three Waters Horse Trail Ride

From April 13th to April 20th 2013 “The 3rd Annual Crackin’ Cancer Three Waters Horse Trail Ride” with your hosts Kerry, Deb and Steve

2013_flyer_three_waters
Kerry, Deb, Steve sm

 

 

 

 

 

Now as you might have guessed yes April might sound like 2 months away but that in reality is only like 7 weeks away even less when you think about the preparations!!

Dinner sm

Hard work I hear you say well… this is what you can look forward to on the Friday hmmm I can smell it now…

Have a look at some of the pictures and they pale into comparison when compared to actually being there.

The sights and smells – think roast pig and bacon and eggs and well hmmm ok and don’t think horse shit although there will be that as well.

marshall-Fittler_Laurie-Cooper_Dr-Page

Now of course the event couldn’t be run without the hard work of many people especially Marshall Fittler (President) and Laurie Cooper (Vice President) from Crackin Cancer.  They tirelessly work all year round donating their time on the various Crackin’ Cancer projects.   Laurie is on the left and Marshall is in the middle with Dr Sue Page (medical advisor) on the right.

wide river shot

Above is a wide angle shot of some beautiful scenery from last years ride.   Remember you get to cover some 25klm plus each day with Wednesday being a rest day.   You also get to ride into the town of Glen Innes and have a lovely meal at the pub.

pub

We even get to sing the Crackin Cancer song as well as be entertained by yours truly for several hours each day from late afternoon and best of all raise monies for Cancer Research.

Have a look and listen I realise it was taken on somebodies phone but it’s better than nothing.

On the Wednesday which is normally the rest day there is a presentation by Mark Langley the son of the owner of Three Waters who has a business called Equine Ability and I have to admit he is absolutely brilliant when it comes to horse whispering – his way with horses is something to be watched and amazed by.   Mark is on the left, his dad on the right…

Steve Mark sm

You have to see this to believe it seriously

equineability sm

If you come along say hello, if you happen to be in the area then come on out and say hello we are all there for a good cause.   It is hard to explain in words about how incredible this week is, all I can say is come along – the experience and friendships developed are well worth it.

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw

 

Till next time cheers – Leigh

The 3rd Annual Crackin’ Cancer Three Waters Horse Trail Ride April 13th to April 20th 2013

Yes it’s on again!!!

From April 13th to April 20th 2013 “The 3rd Annual Crackin’ Cancer Three Waters Horse Trail Ride”

Steve leading the mob

Run in conjunction with Crackin’ Cancer and the Cancer Council NSW, this trail ride held at Three Waters in Glen Innes NSW, raises much needed funds for Cancer Research.

Crackin' Cancer Cancer Council of NSW

“This is the one cause that I will always support so make the effort, come along and spend a great week with other horse riders, horse lovers and lovers of the country lifestyle. And don’t forget to come and say hello” – Leigh Warren.

2013_flyer_three_waters

As the poster says…

Traverse Creeks, Rivers, Bush & Historic Mine Areas.
This is the land of the wild New England Ranges, country that few people will ever see other than landowners and stockmen.   Each day will see riders cover 25 to 30km going into different areas of magnificent country side, and at night enjoy live entertainment in the Gunyah with Country Music Artist Leigh Warren.
Run in-conjunction with Crackin’ cancer, The Cancer Council NSW and Three Waters High Country Holidays
For further information please contact…
Marshall Fittler 0411 840 797 or Laurie Cooper 0429 626 912

 

Event Details:
Steve Langley and Kerry Byrne from the Three Waters High Country Holidays, are again pleased to host the weeklong Great Crackin’ Cancer – Cancer Council NSW Horse Trail Ride, which runs from April 13th thru 20th. 

This event will see many of the 2012 riders coming back for the 2013 ride. The ride will be run out of Three Waters, which is a 1200 acre property situated 15 kilometers from Glen Innes, in the picturesque New England region of NSW and will take in large cattle and sheep properties surrounding Three Waters.

 

At this stage, the number of riders will be cut off at 50.  A “cut off” date is yet to be decided however riders that attended in 2012 and their friends will get first opportunity. A deposit of $50 will apply to all riders.

 

Refunds will be available:(a) to those riders that miss the cut off.(b) to all riders, if the ride is cancelled and(c) to riders who can’t attend, should the organizers postpone the ride to a later date (for example, due to wet weather)

 

INSURANCE: For rider insurance purposes, all riders must be paid up members of Trail Riding Australia (or join Trail Riding Australia, to become paid up members) at the time of the ride (from April 13 to April 20 – 2013). To obtain membership for 2013 contact Trail Riding Australia. For your own benefit, please ensure you clarify all aspects of membership insurance coverage with Trail Riding Australia.

COST OF RIDE – SPONSORSHIP INCENTIVE: The Crackin’ Cancer–Cancer Council cost for riders will be $200. In saying that, riders can seek sponsorship money to help pay for all, or part of their 2013  Crackin’ Cancer-Cancer Council ride cost component – that being the $200 ONLY.  For those wishing to participate, it will be on a 50-50 basis. 50% of the sponsor money you raise will be a donation and 50% will go towards sponsoring your ride cost.

 

Example: If you want to cover your full Crackin’ Cancer-Cancer Council cost of $200, you will need to raise $400 ($200 as a donation and $200 as sponsorship). If you wish to cover half your ride cost, which would be $100, then you will need to raise $200 ($100 as a donation and $100 as sponsorship). The sponsorship benefit is $200 maximum. This means, that If a rider raises more than $400, that rider can still only receive a maximum of $200 in sponsorship. All money raised above $400 will be a donation.

 

If you are interested, please send a self addressed envelope and a note requesting a Sponsorship Form to:

 

Crackin’ Cancer-Cancer Council NSW.
PO Box 531,
Alstonville.
NSW 2477.

 

Any donation money over $2 is tax deductible, this means the 50% donation ONLY – NOT the 50% that goes towards rider sponsorship. This MUST be made clear to ALL sponsors/doners.  Riders PLEASE tick (yes) on the Sponsor/Doner Form for any doner who requires a receipt that will enable them to claim their 50 % donation money, on their tax.

 

The Cancer Council will send a receipt to the address stated on the sponsorship/donation form. Please write ALL sponsor/doner particulars down so they can be clearly understood.

 

COSTS: THREE WATERS HIGH COUNTRY HOLIDAYS :  All cabin and campsite bookings require a 25% non-refundable/ nontransferable deposit.   Accommodation and camping locations will be on a “first deposits paid  – will have first choice” basis.

 

Please BOOK accommodation with Three Waters High Country Holidays only –  Payments: must be made to Crackin’ Cancer.

 

All participants have full use of power at the popular Three Waters recreation facility called The Gunyah. The Gunyah has a kitchen (with 2 x 4 burner gas stoves and 2 fridges and a BBQ) a dining and rest area, showers and toilets.  Rider presence at the Gunyah is important in making the “out of saddle” component of the ride enjoyable to all and we encourage and appreciate your presence at the Gunyah, whenever you can manage it.

 

Agistment cost for a riders horse is $6 per day. Contact Steve Langley.

 

Campsites.  All persons. $10 per day/night.   Children. If any up to age 10 $5.00 per day/night.
Powered Campsites. All persons $12 per day/night.  Children. If any up to age 10 $6.00 per day/night.
Cabins. 1-2 Adults  $80 per day/night Extra adults $17.50 per person per day/night – Children if any up to age 10 – $13.00 per day/night.

 

Three Waters horses are available for hire – horse hire per day is $60.00. This includes shoeing and daily feeding.  Saddle and bridle provided if required. Due to horse preparation, a minimum advance notice of one month must be provided to prepare a horse for trail riding.  A non refundable  holding deposit of $100.00 is required for each horse minimum two weeks in advance. Payments for horse hire and agistment are to be made to Three Waters.

 

Please Note: to clarify all aspects of Three Waters High Country Holiday accommodation and conditions, plus horse hire, please contact Steve Langley.  Steve requires that whilst on Three Waters property, all riders must be current paid up members of Trail Riding Australia and be prepared to sign a Three Waters High Country Holidays waiver/ indemnity form.

 

Contact Details:

Crackin’ Cancer email: crackincancer@hotmail.com
President: Marshall Fittler 02 6624 4879 – 0411 840 797
Vice President: Laurie Cooper 02 6629 5453 – 042 9626 912

 

Steve Langley’s Three Waters High Country Holidays:
Phone: Homestead 02 67 324 863  email: stevelangley2003@yahoo.com.au

 

Head Ride Marshal:
Graeme Sleeman: Phone: 0400 941 389 or 0425 380 297 email: stick_a49@hotmail.com or graemes@gcess.org

 

Trail Riding Australia:
President: Wayne Marcantelli: marco.10@live.com.au
Secretary: Tricia Genders: genders04@hotmail.com
Membership and Insurance: Joan Playford jplayford@activ8.net.au

 

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw
Hopefully I will see you there…
till next time – Leigh

Scone 2012 a great success bringing funds for Crackin’ Cancer

Well the Crackin’ Cancer event held at Scone this year has been run and done.   7 glorious sun filled days were had from Saturday 29th September through to Saturday 6th October although some did stay through the sunday.

The Cumberland Trail Horse Riders Club ran the event for Crackin’ Cancer and a top job they did again just like last year. With rain on the Friday night it was anyones guess but come Saturday morning it was sunny and very hot for the remainder of the stay.

Mate I gotta say that the week didn’t start off too well with me paying the bus rego/insurance and then it wouldn’t start or go, so pack up the tent and all into the jeep and trailer and well as you can see we got there.   Only had to sleep on a blow up mattress for a week and a bit, but it didn’t matter as we got there and my job was to help out during the day and play during the afternoon and night.   Now you should see where I had to set up and play.   They said “well we have a nice open area for you and we should be able to get you some electricity, oh and do you have a bloody long extension cord??”

I got to play with the snakes (caught a nice black tiger snake), mice and everything else that lived in the open barn/stable amongst the bales of hay/lucerne.   But we had fun, as you can see below…

Anyway last year $8,000 was raised for Cancer Research for the week.   This year by the end of Saturday and I mean the very 1st day just over $9,000 had been raised – a top effort!   By the end of the week we had doubled last years amount, a tremendous effort by anybody’s account.

With selfless efforts of people like Marshall Fittler and Laurie Cooper from Crackin’ Cancer and the wonderful people who attended this event a wonderful outcome was achieved.

Thanks must also go to the property owners Duncan and Jilly Macintyre along with their two children, Hector and Florence who own and operate Tinagroo Station.

The property is a 10,000 acre working farm running cattle, sheep and an Australian stock horse stud.  It is situated in a secluded valley 29 Kim’s NNW of Scone, the horse capital of Australia and with easy access to world class horse studs and vineyards.

Tinagroo encompasses the top end of the valley with a no through road. There are high mountains, breathtaking views, areas of rainforest, a pristine creek and abundant native wildlife.

Next year we are not sure where this particular event will be held as the owners have sold the property.   Needless to say once again thank you for your hospitality over the last two years.

I personally would like thank Marshall and Laurie for making? me officially a part of the Crackin’ Cancer committee.   I look forward to helping on the many future events that Crackin’ Cancer participates in including but not limited to Camel Races, Motorcycle Poker Runs, various Equine Horse Trail events, Cattle Drives, Bombs Away (variety car bash) plus more.

Well I’ve rambled on for long enough, so until next time…. oh and if you wish to run an event and raise monies for cancer research, let me know and I will pass it on or you can email Marshall Fittler the president directly at crackincancer@hotmail.com

Crackin’ Cancer raises money for Cancer Research and is approved by the Cancer Council of NSW with donations over $2 tax deductible.

remember… Research is the answer, funding is the key.

A good week yet a sad week and the memories it brings…

Last Friday was the 24th of August and so what I hear you say… well that particular Friday my brother turned 50 (a happy occasion?) yet I couldn’t travel interstate as I had to have several viles of blood taken for numerous tests, have an e.c.g. plus more.   As I have a lump on my lung and keep getting pneumonia they are still deciding what to do – hence all the tests.

Monday brought about the C.T. Scan, chest X-ray and comparisons to the previous scans, anyway I won’t bore you with the details needless to say there will be follow up appointments, tests and things to do.

That Friday tho the 24th was also the 1st anniversary of my mates (Brian) missus Kell, passing from Cancer which I wrote under the title “Cancer Sucks fair dinkum” it is hard to believe that a year has passed since then.   Brian true to his promise is still looking after Kells kids, is still providing a stable and loving home and still doing what he can to ensure they have a decent life.

You think that because you are going through different things which in my case are health issues they are important which really they are but, losing someone and trying to carry on is really difficult especially when they are family as it means you can no longer tell them things and the things you did want to say – well it is maybe too late.

Never take things or people for granted cause one day they just might not be there… then it will be too late – I know because losing my father was hard enough on me and still is however I see how it still affects my mum, they had 51yrs of marriage.

To Brian mate, I understand your pain and to Kel you were a lovely and kind person who really was way too young only 42 years of age.  The picture below is how we will remember you, full of life.

Kell Heffernan (1969 – 2011) aged 42yrs RIP

The 2012 Crackin’ Cancer Horse Trail Ride at Three Waters – a success!!!

What a week is was at Three Waters up at Bullock Mountain near Glen Innes.   The property is amazing and when over a week you cover distances of 25 to 30 km a day you get to see a lot, including properties that other than the owners most people will never see.

Steve Langley the owner of Three Waters is turning 76 years of age in a few weeks and the energy he has is amazing.   Up at 4.30am and off to do work around the place prior to putting in a day of riding leading the 30 plus riders over the 30 odd km, then doing more work and finishing off with a social evening at the ‘Gunyah’ with all concerned.   You have to remember that this property is also a holiday destination for people so he doesn’t get much chance to rest.   Kerry Byrne, Steve’s partner likewise is also flat out with the running of the property plus more helping the local council during each day as well – both amazing people!!

Cancer Council of NSW

 

Of course the big winner is Crackin’ Cancer and the Cancer Council of NSW as near $8,000 was raised towards Cancer Research.

This money was raised from rider sponsorships, an auction and from monies raised from the sale of my single Crackin’ Cancer on the auction night – so a big thank you to all that helped, the money is definitely needed.   Remember “Research is the answer but funding is the key”

On the Friday Steve Langley led all the riders on a Pub Crawl on Horseback as they all rode 30km plus return trip into Glen Innes and to the Railway Tavern where all enjoyed pizza in which their reputation precedes them.   One of the horses even poked his head in through one of the windows and ate some pizza from a locals hand much to their amazement.

On return everybody enjoyed a pig on a spit for dinner and a great nights entertainment by yours truly including everybody joining in on the chorus of my song Crackin’ Cancer, we had a great night even though everybody knew that the next day was the last.

 

Congratulations to Steve Langley, the man the myth the legend (seen here relaxing) who received a Certificate of Accreditation from the Trail Riders Association as a drover, overseer, trail boss plus some that I cannot remember – sorry Steve

This event will be staged again next year on May 11th 2013 – mark it in your calenders!

 

Till next time y’all – Leigh

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw

The Great Crackin’ Cancer Horse Trail Ride at Three Waters is on again!!!

 

Crackin' Cancer LogoIts on again….

The Great Crackin’ Cancer/Cancer Council NSW Horse Trail Ride, to Raise Funds For Cancer Research

“This is the one cause that I will always support so make the effort, come along and spend a great week with other horse riders, horse lovers and lovers of the country lifestyle. And don’t forget to come and say hello” – Leigh Warren.

When: Saturday 12 May – Saturday 19 May 2012

Why: The purpose of the trail ride is to raise much needed funds, which are vital to the continuation of important research into causes and cures of this disgusting debilitating disease called cancer.

Where: Three Waters “High Country” Holiday Farm and surrounding district

Three Waters is a 1200 acre horse orientated property situated at 1150 meters altitude on the lower slopes of Bullock Mountain (1175 meters).

Every day will see the riders going into a different area of the magnificent surrounding country side. Traversing, creeks rivers, forests, bush and historic old mine areas as they go.   The distance of each days ride will be approximately 25 to 30 kilometers.

Steve Langley having a break

This is the country of the wild New England Ranges. Country that few people, other than the landowners and stockmen, would ever see.

RESEARCH IS THE ANSWER – FUNDING IS THE KEY

The purpose of this ride is to raise much needed funds for cancer research and the method of raising funds will be by sponsorship and what the organisers require, is for each rider to raise $200 (or thereabouts) in sponsorship.   That is say, $20 from ten sponsors.

BOOKINGS

If you are interested, you can  book in by contacting Marshall Fittler on 02 66 244879 - mobile 041 1840 799, or Laurie Cooper on 02 66 295453 – mobile 0429 626912 – you can email us at crackincancer@hotmail.com – For powered sites and cabins, You phone Steve Langley or Kerry Byrne, Three Waters high Country Holliday Farm on 02 67 324863 or mobile 0417452649 or email

RIDE PAYMENT and SPONSORSHIP MONEY

Cancer Council of NSW

All cheques and money orders to be made out to Cancer Council New South Wales (marked with name of  trail rider, for identification purposes) and posted to: Crackin’  Cancer, C/O Cancer Council NSW, PO Box 531, Alstonville NSW 2477. All sponsor cash to be sent with, sponsor sheet, via ONE money order  (marked with the name of trail rider. This needs to be done for identification purposes)

Leigh Warren - Country Music Outlaw

Hopefully I will see you there… till next time – Leigh

 

 

Leigh unable to support Crackin’ Cancer Fundraiser at Scone due to pneumonia & pleurisy

Leigh still suffering from the effects of pneumonia and pleurisy has had to withdraw from the week long Crackin’ Cancer fundraiser at Scone.

The Crackin’ Cancer fundraiser which runs from October 15th until the 23rd is still on however and aims to raise much needed funds for Cancer Research with 25 klm horse rides daily across properties that many people would not normally have the opportunity to see.

“I am so disappointed that I have had to withdraw from this event as this cause means so much to me, but the Doctor said that I would end up back in hospital if I went” Leigh stated

Leigh has to get x-rays and see the doctors every two weeks at the moment until he gets the all clear and at present his lung has still not inflated properly yet.

We’ll keep you posted.

Cancer Sucks fair dinkum

Last night I was going to write some humorous witty blog but then thought nope I’ll wait until tomorrow….

Early this morning (around 1am Wed 24th) my mate Brian sent me a message so as not to wake me to let me know that his missus Kell had passed away.   I was awake and dumbfounded when I read the text.   Typically in this modern era we texted back and forth rather than spoke on the phone.   I knew he was crying and who wouldn’t be, he had just lost his partner to a cruel and debilitating disease.

I thought back only to Sunday when we went over to visit and even though Kell was in pain and on a morphine pump she still smiled and laughed at our stupid jokes.   On Monday Brian said that they were admitting her to hospital as she had taken a turn for the worst and that he was trying to cope with the kids as they and him were upset.   “No I’m fine” he said “she’ll be right”.   Not even 48hrs later and she was gone.

Brian met Kell only four years ago and being the man he is also took responsibility for Kell’s kids including one with down syndrome.   He adopted them and said if anything happens he would continue to look after them.   None of us expected this to happen so soon.   Kell had been feeling sick and had a lump for a couple of years and all the doctors bar one, said it was nothing, this one doctor said hmmm and sent for further tests and they found Cancer but basically it was too late.

This brought back memories of my own fathers struggle with Cancer and how it affects everyone concerned.   It also brought to light how vulnerable we all are and that maybe we are not so tough and as strong as we think we are.

Now as I listen to the song Crackin’ Cancer (I wrote it to raise money for Cancer Research), the second verse was and is about my father, the third verse reminds me of Kell and the news she was told.

You never know what is goin to happen in life, don’t leave everything to the last minute as you may not get to do or say what you wanted to.

That’s it for now, I’m not as angry as when I started typing but I’ll leave you with these words… If in doubt, check it out!!

Till later – Leigh

Country Music Fans US or Oz who gets behind fundraising more??

Crackin' Cancer songIt is interesting when someone writes and records a song to help raise funds for an organisation or charity and then the ongoing process of trying to promote or sell the song/concept or idea.

I was asked to play (donate my time) at a week long fundraiser to help raise funds for Cancer Research and as they said ‘Research is the answer – Funding is the Key‘.   I guess I couldn’t argue with that especially as I had lost my father to cancer.

As I watched CMC/CMT I guess I could applaud the amount of press that was shown as support for this artist or that artist and their fans in relation to a charity they supported & personally I think thats great because charities help people.

Supporting the Australian Cancer Research Foundation

I spoke to many people regarding the song Crackin’ Cancer and as they sat there with their $15 pub/hotel meals and cans of beer or spirits they all said ‘love the song’ or ‘You’re donating the profits – thats wonderful’ yet they won’t spend a dollar and download the song even though they’ve just gone and spent $20 on raffle tickets.  Is this only in Australia or does this happen overseas as well.

I bought some raffle tickets from the Red Cross and another bloke said ‘sorry love I’m broke’ then he went into the supermarket bought smokes, a magazine, chips some lollies and paid cash go figure.

I read this article recently in a blog…

“Country Music Artist and Affiliate Marketer Billy Kay donates proceeds of single to Charity” read more…

and I thought yeah good onya mate and someone else ran the article.

Maybe over here it is only if it is going to get good press that people will do something but if you do what you say then good press can follow…

I don’t know what you think, all I can see is overseas fans seem to support their artists and causes with more gusto and enthusiasm and don’t mind putting their hand in their pocket and spending a dollar.   Just asking is all.

Till next time – Leigh

Cancer song endorsed by Australian Cancer Research Foundation

ACRF Endorsement

 

 

Well its been a long time between blogs what with everything else going on.
The Crackin Cancer Trail Ride in April was a great success with dates already being looked at for next year in April.
An article comes out this week about my song Crackin’ Cancer which has been endorsed by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation but we’ll see what the photos look like.
Trying to organise a video for the song which is not easy but hey we’re trying
Till next time
Leigh