Big Wheel challenge raises more than $175,000 for rural mental health

More than $175,000 has been raised for rural mental health after disability advocate and adaptive athlete Sam Longmore completed a 441-kilometre wheelchair journey across regional New South Wales.

The eight-day Big Wheel: Push for a Purpose challenge began in Corowa on June 27 and finished in Yass on July 4, with Ms Longmore travelling through more than 20 regional communities including Albury, Wagga Wagga, Junee, Cootamundra, Harden and Binalong.

The challenge and accompanying charity auction will support the work of Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell, funding mental health outreach, counselling for farming families, emergency relief during drought, fire and flood events, and community wellbeing programs.

Ms Longmore says the challenge was driven by a desire to encourage conversation and connection across rural communities, with one conversation at the right time able to make a real difference.

She says while much of the journey was completed alone, the achievement was made possible by the team and communities who supported her along the way.

Rural Aid chief executive John Warlters says the effort highlighted the importance of connection in rural Australia, with the funds raised helping deliver practical mental health support and build long-term resilience in regional communities.