But it is her work in pathology collections that has brought home exactly how many people’s lives are affected by cancer.

“Sadly, we see it all the time,” Ms Woods said.

With the experiences of her family and workplace in her mind, it is little wonder that Ms Woods was keen to take part in a fundraising event for breast cancer that could be combined with her love of barrel racing.

Ms Woods will swap her work uniform for jeans and boots to ride in the Hopes 'n' Dreams – Pink Lady Classic, which will be held at the Tarcutta recreation ground on Saturday, October 20.

It is part of a bigger two-day program of events at Tarcutta.

Ms Woods said there is a lot that is special about the Pink Lady Classic, beginning with the age of entrants: All of them are aged older than 40.

Competitors are also not necessarily experienced barrel riders.

While Ms Woods, 57, has been barrel racing for most of her life, that is not the case for some of the other 13 participants.

Riders can walk, trot, lope or “go for broke”.

“It’s about having a go,” Ms Woods said.

“We have someone who uses a wheelchair who will be taking part and a lady who has undergone a double mastectomy.

“I gave up barrel racing for a while when I was raising my kids, but I’m back into it now.

"This is just a fun way to raise some money for a good cause.

“It’s also a way for women to have a go at barrel racing.”

All will, of course, be dressed in pink and all money raised will go to the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Each of the competitors in Saturday’s event have raised money in order to be able to compete.

Pink Lady Classic races are being held around Australia and have so far raised about $80,000.

The Tarcutta competitors have already raised more than $5000.

If you want to support one of the riders who is going to compete on Saturday, check out the website.