Mates rally for silent killer

Eumundi resident Graeme Meade and Cooroy resident Bruce Chamberlain have formed team ‘Sunshine Blokes Kar 97’, devoting themselves to supporting the efforts of Kidney Health Australia to assist young children and youth suffering from kidney disease.

In August, the pair will drive thousands of kilometres across the Australian countryside for the 2023 Kidney Kar Rally.

Graeme said they have started their fundraising campaign with the task of raising $3000 or more, ahead of the rally.

“Through donations and sponsorship, we are already halfway there. Tyrepower Cooroy has just come on as a silver sponsor which is wonderful.

“But we need more. Every dollar we raise goes directly to Kidney Health Australia to support children and young people affected by kidney disease.

“Bruce and I cover all costs of participating in the rally including fuel, accommodation, food and car maintenance.”

Graeme, who has participated in other charity rallies before, said he does it to give back to those less fortunate.

“I’ve already completed two rallies for Cancer Council since I retired and this year I decided to do a different rally with a different car for a different worthwhile charity.

“Unfortunately, kidney disease (CKD) is on the increase and there's no known cure. That’s why it's named 'the secret killer'.

“The strain on families with children suffering with kidney disease is terrible.

“Kidney Health Australia help improve the quality of life with vital resources, education programs, support services and research funding. I want to help them do that. That's what it is all about.”

Bruce said he had also been wanting to do something to give back to others when Graeme called and told him about the Kidney Kar Rally.

The duo, in their Mitsubishi Lancer rally car, will travel across-country from Mudgee via Bateman's Bay to Narrandera.

“It’s a national rally. People travel far and wide to participate. It puts us and the cars and the whole need for kidney awareness in the faces of people in the country.

“Hopefully in our part of the world, we can raise awareness of kidney disease and how it is making the lives of kids suffering from it miserable.

“Let’s leave kidney disease in the dust,” Graeme said. Anyone who would like to make a donation or sponsor Sunshine Blokes Kar 97 can do so here: fundraise. kidney.org.au/fundraisers/ SunshineBlokesKar97