SINCE the age of 11 Gunnedah’s Mopey Johnson has felt comfortable holding the reins and bucking on the back of enormous bulls.
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Now the 43-year-old bull rider will use his passion to help raise money for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
Along with five other bull riders from around the region, Mopey will compete against riders from across the country in Rockhampton in late June as a part of BCNA’s Hopes n Dreams Pink Lady Classic over 40’s bull ride.
Event co-ordinator Carina Stephens said the event would attract a variety of entrants.
“The event now attracts not just old time riders like myself, but riders who have never barrel raced and even one or two who have never ridden a horse,” Ms Stephens said.
“Hopes n Dreams Pink Lady Classics are all in the name of BCNA and the burning desire to help raise funds for such a worthwhile organisation that assists so many of those we love and many we have lost.”
Mopey told The Namoi Valley Independent raising cancer awareness was a cause close to his heart.
“I love to help raise money for anything to do with cancer,” he said.
“In my younger years I worked for a bloke off-and-on for about 12 years and he became like family to me.
“Unfortunately he passed away due to cancer and ever since I have always loved helping raise money for anything to do with cancer awareness.”
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While Mopey now spends his time working in the region’s mines for BGC he still feels very passionately about bull riding.
“I love it, I honestly do,” he said.
“Senior bull riding in NSW is starting to get a little bit bigger over the last six-years or so and events like these should hopefully help it to grow even bigger.”
The two-time over 40’s Australian title holder said he was looking forward to the event.
“There should be about five or so of my mates from around here travelling up together which should be fun,’ he said.
“I think there will be all sorts of different blokes competing and raising funds with the oldest bloke being about 56-years old.
“When it comes to age though it doesn’t matter, to me it’s all about how you feel not how old you are.”
The Queensland native turned Gunnedah local said he wouldn’t be able to help raise funds for the cause without the support of those around him.
“I have to thank my partner and travelling companion Susan,” he said.
“Without her I wouldn’t have the backing to go and do something like this.
“Also I want to thank everyone at BGC, without them being supportive and granting me some leave there’s no way I could help raise some money for this worthy cause.”
Rockhampton will play host to the Hopes n Dreams fundraiser on June 29, 30 and July 1.
To donate to the cause and to support Mopey visit hopesndreamsrockhampton2018.gofundraise.com.au/page/MopeyJohnson