A doctor working at Dubbo has gained selection to ride in the world's toughest and longest horse race.
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And when Shannon Nott steps up into the saddle to represent Australia in the 1000km Mongol Derby, he will also be raising funds for rural mental health programs.
The doctor who grew up at Dunedoo is one of 44 riders from 13 countries selected for the race that involves semi-wild horses.
As a country boy at heart, Dr Nott has spent the bulk of his medical career pushing for improvements in rural and remote healthcare and this next feat continues that effort.
"This Mongol Derby is not just about pushing myself physically and mentally during the world's toughest horse race but more importantly to bring public awareness to the disparities that exist for rural communities when it comes to mental health services."
"As a doctor that has worked in multiple rural and remote emergency departments around Australia, the most devastating presentations I have had to deal with are suicide attempts of young, healthy rural Australians suffering from mental health conditions.
"Essentially when it comes to suicide, the further remote you go unfortunately the more likely you are to die from suicide with less access to mental health services."
Dr Nott has partnered with Batyr, an organisation that focuses on preventive education in the area of youth mental health.
He is raising funds to help run rural-specific wellbeing training for youth with the hope that these programs can address the increased rates of self-harm and suicide seen in the bush.
The doctor has called on individuals and organisations to get behind his cause and people can find out more at www.outbushmedicine.com/mongol-derby.