She is riding 200km in March, as part of a charity fundraiser for Camp Quality.
Mrs Palmer is developing a passion for the sport, and it helps that she has always been athletic.
‘‘I was involved in the Deniliquin and Blighty netball communities for many years as a player and a coach,’’ she said.
‘‘I have always been an active person, so after retiring from netball, I started bike riding casually.’’
And before Mrs Palmer has even begun her official ride, she has outstripped her target.
‘‘My original goal was to raise $500 before the Big Ride started on March 1.
‘‘I received a lot of donations from family and friends, and so I decided to double the target, which I’ve also met,’’ she said, adding it was all thanks to the generosity of family, friends and work colleagues.
She plans to ride roughly 10km a day before and after work to meet her target, and perhaps exceed it.
‘‘It’s a good way to challenge myself.’’
Not only has COVID introduced Mrs Palmer to cycling, but it has made her more aware of the hardships of others.
‘‘The past couple of years have been tough for a lot of people.
‘‘When I heard about the Camp Quality’s Big Ride for Little Kids, I wanted to do something positive to start off the year.
‘‘So I signed up to raise much needed funds to support kids facing cancer, and to challenge myself by riding 200km in the month of March.’’
The Big Ride for Little Kids raises money to support children with cancer, from newborns up to 15 year-olds. The support also extends to children with close family members diagnosed with cancer.
The donations pay for opportunities for those children, including play dates, camps, and family events, to ‘‘give them a break’’ from the stress of the disease.
Mrs Palmer, nee Wray, was born and raised in Deniliquin, and completed all her schooling in town.
She returned to Deniliquin with husband Nick — also a Deni local — in 2006, after a short period living away.
As of yesterday morning, Mrs Palmer had raised an incredible $1076 for the cause, and there is still time to donate.
‘‘I am hoping to continue fundraising during the month of March and also raise awareness about the fantastic work that Camp Quality does,’’ she said.
To donate go to https://fundraise.campquality.org.au/fundraisers/sarahpalmer/big-ride-for-little-kids-2022.
