Retired Central Coast nurses Therese and Tony Smith are set for the adventure of a lifetime when they join teams from all over the country in the Mystery Box Rally on August 16 at Broken Hill.
About 300 participants will start their car engines and tackle a mystery five-day driving route where each night’s stopover will only be unveiled to them at the start of each day – that’s the mystery.
Cars must be older than 25 years, roadworthy with no 4WD or AWD and teams need to raise a minimum of $4,000 to participate with the overall fundraising target set at $1.5M.
The finish line will be back in Broken Hill on August 20.
No mechanical experience is needed, just willingness for good times and fundraising.
The rally is part of Box Rallies, which includes the Shitbox Rally and Lunchbox Rally; devised in 2009 by James Freeman after both his parents died of cancer within 12 months of each other.
Box Rallies is now the leading individual fundraiser for Cancer Council nationally generating over $50.6M to cancer research plus media awareness for Cancer Council, helping the lives of millions of Australians who are facing their unknown journeys.
The Saratoga couple have named their team Tags Along.
Therese has had a recent diagnosis of breast cancer, for the third time.
“By participating in the Mystery Box Rally, we will be raising awareness of cancer and the importance of raising funds for ongoing cancer research,” she said.
“For each stage of our rally journey, from pre-race fundraising, car selection and media posts, we hope to bring the community along with us in a positive and inclusive way as we prepare for the Mystery Box Rally.
“We are hoping to generate interest from the community.”
Therese has christened the car Bertha the Pink Flamingo, and the couple plans to decorate the car in a fun way, to reflect the car’s name, and create a talking point wherever they go.
“The pink theme is to represent our personal breast cancer journey,” Therese said.
“We are expecting the Mystery Box Rally to provide a unique challenge with lots of fun and friendship with other participants who may have been affected by cancer personally or know family or friends who have experienced cancer.
“We are looking forward to the rally being both a positive and challenging experience as we attempt to get Bertha the Pink Flamingo across the finish line reasonably unscathed, after five days navigating the challenge of outback roads.
“The purpose of life is to live it,” Therese said.
“By participating in this rally, we hope to experience many memorable moments.”
Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid described the couple as “phenomenal” for undertaking an incredible journey to raise much-needed funds for cancer research.
“I wish them all the very best and look forward to catching up with the couple after they complete their rally,” he said.
To donate to team Tags Along, visit https://events.boxrallies.com/wegive/oauth/23809
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