UNCLE and niece duo Keerly and Richard are getting ready to set off across the Australian Outback in a car held together by zip ties.
A convoy of teams will make the journey later this year in the “Shitbox Rally” – Australia’s largest independently run fundraiser for Cancer Council Australia.
Participants set off from Alice Springs, driving cars worth $1500 or less across some of Australia’s toughest roads.
The event has raised over $56 million so far, with each team required to raise a minimum of $5000 to participate.
Keerly Newton, a Registered Nurse and Associate Lecturer from Medowie, has teamed up with her uncle Richard Pettigrew, a truck driver from Jundah in Queensland.
“We’re taking on this journey in a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer that’s more rust than car, but it’s ours,” Keerly said.
“We’re not mechanics – we’re just doing this with love, rust, and a ridiculous amount of zip ties.”
Cancer has hit Keerly’s family hard.
Lyndall Pettigrew, Keerly’s mum and Richard’s sister, died in May 2024 following a battle with ovarian cancer.
Fourteen days later, their much-loved grandmother and mother, Judy, passed away from squamous cell carcinoma.
They’ve taken on the team name JL Trailblazers to honour the women.
“Too many loved ones, too many losses. The rally is our way of fighting back and keeping their memories alive with every kilometre.”
Richard said he was proud to be making the journey alongside his niece.
“It’s about giving back, honouring Lyndall and Mum, and doing something powerful in their name.”
For more about Keerly’s and Richard’s’ efforts, go to spring2025.shitboxrally.com.au/jl-trailblazers.
By Cosette DE LORENZO
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