Mrs Ryan, having already been part of one Need for Feed hay run in 2021, has recently returned from a second.

It's these hays runs with Need for Feed, which is part of Lions Australia, that are helping her to work through her grief after losing her late husband Buster Ryan in 2020.

The most recent hay run travelled to drought-hit areas in the Winton area of Queensland.

"It was another amazing experience," Mrs Ryan said.

"I went on my own this time in a convoy of about 13 trucks.

"In January over the Australia Day weekend with Need for Feed I went to Cecil Plains in Queensland to deliver Hay to drought-affected areas.

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"It's been amazing being involved in these runs and very rewarding. It's something I didn't think I'd ever be doing on my own, but it's been instrumental in helping me heal and move through grief."

Mrs Ryan said there were several people and organisations who helped her each run and she couldn't do it without their support.

"I'm really grateful to Matt Shaw, the director/owner at Wagga Trucks again for the use of the Volvo truck and the family that Buster worked for - Macdonalds from Coleambaly - who again donated the drop deck trailer band load of hay," she said.

"I'm very lucky to have the support behind me that enables me to participate in the Need for Feed hay runs.

"It makes me feel good to know I'm bringing not only hay, but hope and the fact the farmers tell us it's the thought that others are thinking of them and they are not forgotten."

Mrs Ryan and the late Mr Ryan were no stranger to the "hay run scene" having completed many together over the years as their passion has always been about helping people.

Mrs Ryan said she would continue to participate in community work and these hay runs as it was something Mr Ryan would have wanted her to do.

"It's a very powerful feeling (participating in the hay runs) ... it lives with you after talking to farmers and hearing their stories of hardship," she said.

"Each farmer I deliver to, I'm able to stay in touch with by ringing them to say G'day and I also have received beautiful, heartfelt thank you letters from them."

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