Two Gisborne families have joined a car rally across Australia in vehicles worth less than $1500 in memory of a loved one and to raise funds for the fight against cancer.
Bevan Goodwin died aged 54 in 2011 from cancer and left behind two young boys and wife Vicki, who said ”he was the most perfect father and wonderful husband”.
Now, Vicki and Bevan’s best friend Paul Stewart will be behind the wheel of two Peugeot 406s for the Shitbox Rally, which has raised $51 million for the Cancer Council since its inception in 2009.
Some 250 teams have registered for this year’s event and will drive second-hand cars from Canberra to Townsville, via the outback on some of its most formidable roads from May 2 to 10.
The first Peugeot the Gisborne locals purchased was covered in moss when it was ‘rescued’ from a farm in central Victoria and required a new timing belt, change of fluids and thorough clean, but has since become a reliable daily driver.
The second car “really did meet the shitbox criteria”, according to Paul, who said mice inhabited the engine when it was bought.
“The first service included a dose of Ratsak,” he said.
It too had an array of issues and among the itemised list of repairs was a new anti-lock breaking system, clutch, timing belt, set of tyres and steam clean.
“The Gisborne community has been very generous as soon as they see the cause. Even little things like the local locksmiths helping with spare sets of keys all help,” Paul said.
Both teams are aiming to raise $15,000 and anyone can donate by looking up the team names, ‘Pepe Le Pew Jo’ and ‘Goodie’ on the event’s website.
In regards to their motivation to complete such a challenge, Paul said, “this disease should not take any more Bevans of this world.”
