A NURSE of 44 years, Bronwyn Menzies (Anderson) of Hamilton and her partner, Lynton Foster, have decided to take the plunge and participate in the TRI-annual Shitbox Rally driving from Melbourne to Alice Springs over 10 days in June 2024.

Inspired by the many friends and family who have battled cancer, the pair are keen to participate in the rally that raises money for the Cancer Council.

Ms Menzies’ nursing career includes ten years working in palliative care where she said she had the privilege of working closely with cancer patients.

Her partner, Mr Foster nursed his mother for the year she was in palliative care with cancer until she passed away.

“All have touched our hearts deeply and inspired us to raise as much money as we can to end this suffering,” Ms Menzies said.

“We’ve all been touched by cancer.

“It’s no longer one in three, it’s one in two”.

She said the Cancer Council was one of the largest non-government funders of cancer research in Australia and conducted and funded research studies across all cancers and all stages of the cancer journey.

“The Shitbox Rally is currently the largest fundraiser for the Cancer Council in Australia,” Ms Menzies said.

The Cancer Council recognised the Shitbox Rally as its main community fundraiser and said more than $41 million had been raised over the past 13 years by the rallies.

Money raised has contributed to a research study to develop a vaccine against lymphoma cancers, a trial to standardise international guidelines on melanoma removal, and a research grant to revolutionise the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

“We are extremely proud to be doing our part to support such a worthy charity,” Ms Menzies said.

“The best we can do is raise money for this great cause.

“We are making this trip for so many friends and family in the hope to improve the lives of those still fighting, diagnosed in the future, and to avoid losing any other precious people to this disease.”

As part of the regulations of entry into the rally, the car must only be a two-wheel drive vehicle and not valued at more than $1500.

A big part of the rally is to cover the car in crazy decorations.

“Our car is called ‘Loony Tunes’ because we are a little looney to be doing this trip,” Ms Menzies said.

“It has been decorated by local artists Jesse Shannahan and Susan Catton-Ross, who have done a wonderful job painting the car.

“We will be doing our best to ensure both the car, and we survive the experience to honour all those we have already lost to cancer.”

Ms Menzies and her partner have already received sponsorship from Tania Woodall and Tim Spillman of local business ‘Living Your Life Your Way’ who provide multiple services in the Hamilton area including support for cancer patients.

As part of their fundraising venture, Ms Menzies stressed the importance to the community to get regular skin checks, pap smears, bowel tests, prostate, and breast checks and not to wait if they notice changes.

She also encouraged everyone to be more mindful of what they eat and choose healthy foods, not smoke, and reduce alcohol consumption. 

Ms Menzies said the fundraising would be the hardest part so any donation would be greatly appreciated.