My reason is Jenny...
Jenny Pascoe (nee Spry) came into my life for a short time from 1991 – 2002 but we had a lot of fun in those years. We both got married and Jenny became godmother to my eldest son.
Jen & me
I still miss her and think of her often. Jenny left a hole in so many people’s lives when she left us way too early.
Jenny was a kind and generous person
She loved animals and was fit and healthy until one day, before she turned 30 everything changed. She fought hard but eventually, she could fight no longer and she passed away on 4/5/2002.
Jenny inspired me to do many things.
She was a blood donor but once she started chemo she could no longer do this. I don’t like needles or blood but she told me that it gets really easy with practice so I gave it a go. Jenny could no longer donate so I would. There was an ‘incident’ with the first donation where I went into shock but she said it got easier with practice and it did. I can even donate sitting upright now.
Jenny was community-minded and loved to help. After losing her I decided to do a Biggest Morning Tea at home with a handful of friends to raise funds for the Cancer Council. It was a small fundraiser and was the beginning of many over the next 22 years.
Baking is not my forte so I looked for ways to use my organisational skills instead and find others who would do the cooking and baking. Luckily, I have a lot of friends who are very skilled in this area. I’m not sure they all knew what they were getting themselves into but we had some really fun events that helped raise funds for Cancer Council.
Ladies Lunches in Hervey Bay and Chinchilla involved lots of women supporting one another, a few drinks, great food, raising lots of money, quite a bit of laughter, and at one event guys stripping down to their boxers.
Relay for Life was one of my most memorable experiences.
Working with my whole community in Chinchilla to celebrate, honour, and remember those affected by cancer and their loved ones. The support was incredible, so many people volunteered, donated, and participated. It was humbling, and invigorating, took me out of my comfort zone on many occasions, and at times was a little scary but we had so much fun. I’m not very good at public speaking but I spoke in front of hundreds of people three times for each event (one was even in my pyjamas). I can’t say anyone would employ me as a motivational speaker but I did it. I also learned a lot about 10 & 15 amp power, how to fill and empty port-a-loos, and the fun of delegating.
When I found Shitbox Rally I knew this was the perfect event.
Firstly, all monies raised go to much-needed research to help find a cure. Secondly, the event stops in many small country towns along the rally and contributes on average $85,000 to each of these remote communities. Thirdly, I get to go on this adventure with my good friend Jo and we get to meet hundreds of other people who are as passionate about the cause as we are. I’ve found (with a couple of exceptions) the people who stand by you in tough times are your girlfriends and Jo has certainly supported me through some of those. Rally will be a little tough (especially with no guarantees of showers each night) but there will be laughs, 80s music, meeting new people, and of course tutus!
I’ve heard Rally can be addictive with many people doing it year after year. I think we’ll give this one a go and see what happens……
I can’t wait for it to start!!!!
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