By Renee Wood
Two Healesville dads will be driving from Mackay to Darwin among a convoy of 220 cars to raise funds for cancer research through the Cancer Council.
Paul Reid and Mathew Grayling are taking part in the Shitbox Rally – their second rally car drive after taking part in the Mystery Box Rally raising $13,000.
So far, the pair have raised $7000 for their next rally and on Friday 7 October St Brigid’s Primary School held a free dress day for a gold coin donation to support the cause.
The dads spoke about the cause and the students were able to get a close up look with the ’89 XF Falcon the pair have restored.
To sign up for the rally, teams must purchase a car worth no more than $1,500 and it must be 25 years or older.
“Matt and I spent two months when we bought the car every weekend, motor out of it, fixing it up, suspension, steering new brakes, all new radiators and hoses – everything to make sure its reliable for the big drive we’re going to do,” Mr Reid said.
The pair will be lying the flag for Healesville under the team name ‘Duct Tape and Cable Ties’ joining the drive to fight the disease that unfortunately touches many.
“To help cancer research and to support friends and family who’ve died of cancer,” Mr Reid said.
“Everybody knows somebody that’s been affected,” Mr Grayling said.
“It’s the adventure of travelling around with 300 other people all like-minded people trying to raise money,” Mr Reid said.
The two dads have children attending St Brigid’s Primary School who all thought it was great to share their efforts with the school.
Jake said, “I thought it was awesome because everyone donated and lots of money is going to cancer council.
“There will be heaps of things that he will do on the rally and they both get to do it together.”
Brayden said, “It was really awesome so everyone got to see things they hadn’t seen before.”
Keegan and Declan said their favourite part on the car is the funny horn that’s rings the Dukes of Hazzard – general lee’s dixie horn anthem.
“The horn sounded weird, that’s what most of my friend said,” Keegan said with a laugh.
Mr Reid and Mr Grayling will be heading up north this week before starting the rally on Saturday 15 October.
If you’d like to donate the cause visit – https://spring2022.shitboxrally.com.au/duct-tape-and-cable-ties
The team would like to thank their major sponsors Tom and Lisa at the Grand Hotel Healesville, Steve at Main St Quality Butchers, Bakers Delight and dozens of local businesses.
