A battered Tasmanian tiger van has raised more than $100,000 for cancer research in less than 18 months, with its volunteer crew now chasing an even bigger fundraising haul from the outback.
Barry the Brave is back on the road, with Hobart founder Emma Dooley and new co-driver Bianca Paine travelling from Tasmania to Adelaide before taking part in this year’s Shitbox Rally to Darwin.
The pair boarded the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport on Monday night, with the rally due to officially begin in Adelaide on Saturday.
Their campaign has already raised more than $117,000 for Cancer Council Australia since it began, including more than $50,000 this year.
The latest fundraising push includes a raffle featuring more than $20,000 worth of Tasmanian accommodation and tourism experiences, with 12 prize packages up for grabs.
Paine said the pair had already encountered some of the challenges of travelling in their battered Ford Econovan after running out of fuel on the way to Devonport.
“We’re a lot less mechanically minded than Kieran, so I’m not sure if Emma’s made a very smart decision,” Paine said.
“Yesterday we did run out of fuel once already … neither of us were looking at the fuel gauge.”
They discovered the jerry can they thought was full was actually empty, forcing them to call for help.
Barry was transformed into a bright pink and purple Tasmanian tiger after Dooley lost her aunt Pauline Damen to lung cancer.
Last year, the team raised more than $67,000 in honour of Damen who died aged 67.
Each tiger stripe added to Barry represents someone whose life has been touched by cancer.
This year, Barry will join hundreds of other teams in the Shitbox Rally, travelling from Adelaide to Darwin from August 15 to 22 in cars worth less than $1500.
Paine said the team had also met other Tasmanian rally crews aboard the Spirit, with one group having already raised more than $20,000.
“We’re one of a few Tassie teams that we look forward to connecting with more when we get up to the start line in Adelaide,” she said.
The raffle, featuring stays including Sherwood Loves Tasmania, The Keep, MACq 01, The Bay House, Myrtle Creek Farm and The Tailored Pod will close on August 22, the day the rally finishes.
To donate and enter the raffle, go here.
