The 52 year old Australian is a multiple world record holder for endurance running. He has run from the North Pole to the South Pole in under a year. During this challenge he ran two marathons every day (84km), over 20 000km through 14 countries and raised $100 million for the International Red Cross.
He has also run across Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and North America. Pat served eight years as a Federal Member of Australia's Parliament, with three years as Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Science and Training.
He is also a winner of 'Achiever of the Year' (2000), awarded by former Prime Minister John Howard. Pat has raised millions of dollars for causes during his 20 year running career, including Lifeline, Cancer Council, Australian Red Cross and Diabetes Australia to name just a few.
With this running and humanitarian heritage Farmer, earlier this year, undertook another massive challenge: A 20 day run for peace through Lebanon, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
The run aimed to inspire and strengthen the resolve of Jewish and Arab people who want peace by showing one man's effort to overcome obstacles.
Sport is a great leveller and through NGO Sport for Peace Farmer wanted to promote the positive values of sport in lands racked with negatives.
"There's a commonality between human beings all over the planet," Farmer explained. "So I think if I can portray that, then I can get a message to people worldwide: We're all human beings. We're the same regardless of our geography."
In a new development, Farmer is trying to return to the Middle East to run through the Gaza Strip to again support the Red Cross and promote peace in the region. To find out more, to be inspired by his books or support his charities go to www.patfarmer.com
Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and pastor.
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover.html