Member Spotlight: Peter Thorburn

 

Cronulla RSL member, Peter Thorburn is preparing himself for a challenge to achieve the unthinkable; to drive a car worth less than $1,500 across Australia, via some of its most formidable roads, all in the name of charity.

Peter & his driving companion Dave Challis (referring to themselves as Gerry’s without the Pacemakers), are driving from Adelaide to Perth, then back to Cronulla (Dave, going on to Byron Bay), as part of a Box Rally, to fund outstanding cancer projects nationally.

Peter Thorburn, (back row, far right)

Funds raised will be going towards Cancer Council grants, that support ground breaking cancer research projects that do not receive financial support through The National Health and Medical Research Council. The impact of these projects has been felt right across Australia, with many of the grants made possible by Box Rallies funding.

Cancer is particularly close to home for Peter and his late Brother-in-Law , Trevor.

This won’t be the first time Peter is taking part in the SB Rally; Peter & Rob Barlin made the top 5 fund raisers list in 2021. Thanks to their friends, family, clients, and sponsors, they were able to raise around $25,000. “We have lost so many since the 2020 (Covid) Rally, it drives us to reach out and raise funds for such a great cause” said Peter.

The 2024 Rally will take place in Autumn next year, from the 12th to the 20th April. For more information on the event or to donate, visit the Gerrys without Pacemakers fundraising page https://autumn2024.shitboxrally.com.au/gerrys-without-the-pacemakers.

The SB rally will be held April 12th to April 20th 2024. Peter & David will be travelling from Adelaide to Perth, then back to Cronulla.

Peter will be drive a car worth less than $1,500 across Australia, via some of its most formidable roads, all in the name of charity.

Peter Thorborn SB Rally

Peter featured in the FTA ‘Across Boarders’ Magazine, in 2022.

Where the funds of the SB RALLY go

SB Rally is the largest community lead fundraiser for Cancer Council in Australia and is now in its 14th year.

For the first time, Box Rallies funds the next highest ranked grants after the NHMRC.    This means that Box Rallies will fund some of the most exciting cancer research projects across the country – with the highest potential to significantly impact those affected by cancer.

Here are some examples of multi-state research funded by Box Rallies:

  • Testing new drug combinations for pancreatic cancer

  • Preventing people with immune deficiencies from developing lymphoma

  • Finding new compounds to target the deadliest type of malignant brain tumor

  • Developing a way to calculate the safest and most effective dose of radiation for prostate cancer patients

  • Analyzing the largest data set of melanoma genome sequences in the world

  • Identifying a treatment to block the development and spread of neuroblastoma cells.

All donations go direct to Cancer Council who generate a Tax-Deductible Receipt. 

 
Club MembersNatalie HawkinsClub Members