By Tanya Steele
A Belgrave local has become one-half of what promises to be the adventure of a lifetime all for a good cause.
Two friends are pulling together for a cause and have made it into this year’s spring Shitbox Rally for 2025 and are in full planning mode to journey across Australia in a car two steps away from the tip.
The team is named Do it for Stu and consists of Aidan ‘Skip’ Skipsey and Alex ‘AlDav’ Davenport.
The pair will drive from Alice Springs to the Gold Coast in late October and all funds raised will go to the Cancer Council.
“Like most people in the world, we all know someone that’s been lost or affected by cancer in some way,” said Aidan.
The two have been friends for several years and both wanted to contribute to a charity, the rally will give them a chance to raise funds for the Cancer Council and rise to a cross-country challenge.
“We knew we wanted to get somewhat involved with Cancer Council Australia, Alex came across the Shit Box rally, and we thought it’d be an amazing experience, not just the fundraising side, but just as lasting memories for us as a duo,” Aidan said.
Over the last 15 years, Box Rallies have raised over $50 million for Cancer Council.
On the website, the Shitbox Rally is described as not just a race but ‘rather a challenge to achieve the unthinkable’.
The pair explain on their online fundraising page that there are many reasons they are fundraising but primarily it is in honour of their mate Stu.
“Stu died in 2020 of Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a devastating brain cancer. Losing a good friend has had a huge impact on our lives and even impacted Alex’s career direction,:” read the post.
Alex is a scientist working in immunotherapy and in 2022 Alex returned to Australia to find new cures for brain cancer, Aidan brings a background in mechanics and tinkering to the table.
“There has been no improvement in treatment for patients suffering with brain cancer, adults or children in decades,” read the pair’s online blog.
“Our current treatments are so toxic, that many patients refuse to complete the full course. This needs to change. With your help, we can all make a small but powerful impact.”
“Please help us reach our goal of raising a minimum of AUD 5,000 for Cancer Research.”
Aidan said the pair received news that they would be in the spring rally just before Christmas and are now focused on fundraising and sourcing a roadworthy paddock basher for the event.
“We are coming up with a plan of attack, on how to fundraise and see how to get the vehicle sorted,” said Aidan.
With specific fundraising goals to hit, the pair have launched their online page at:
https://spring2025.shitboxrally.com.au/do-it-for-stu
“We thank everyone for their contribution and together we can make a difference,” said Aidan.
