Worthless cars making millions

Tomorrow the Rally will be passing through Katherine, expect to see run down cars that have clearly been put through the paces, driving around town. 

To top off the challenge, the vehicles must be extremely cheap, valued under $1000.

Some make it, some don’t.

Tackling 3800 bone-jarring kilometres  from Brisbane to Darwin, the goal is to raise $1.7 million for Cancer Council.

This year’s route started in Brisbane on May 19 and will travel along some of the outback’s roughest, flood-prone roads. 

The route takes the teams through Katherine, Edith Falls, Pine Creek and Adelaide River before finishing in Darwin on May 25.

Each year the Rally raises more than $1 million for Cancer Council research.

And the teams are hoping to break last year’s record of $1.67 million.

While the organiser, James Freeman, (who lost his mother and father to cancer in quick succession) is thrilled that the rally has raised millions of dollars, it’s the evident human spirit he’s most proud of - uniting suffering and turning it into hope.

“The Rally exudes a strong message: that big, almost impossible, battles can be overcome together, with the help of humour,” Mr Freeman said.

“We’ve intentionally picked some of the most formidable roads to travel on. Whether you’re in remission, have lost a loved one to cancer or would simply like to be part of a good cause, the rally will challenge every part of you.

“It’s not meant to be easy, but we do it in style, having fun. This is a way we can respect the people who have had cancer and show them that we’re fighting for them, too,” he said

No one can quite comprehend the personal battle a cancer sufferer goes through - physically, emotionally and spiritually. But for the past nine years, James has chosen to fight, along with thousands of other people who have been affected by this disease.

Stay tuned for more on the Rally tomorrow on the Katherine Times.