Former Australian cricketer Jo Angel and his wife Randi Molgaard Angel are gearing up to drive nearly 4000 kilometers across some of Australia's toughest terrain in a car worth just $1500, all to raise funds for cancer research. The couple will participate in this year's Winter Shitbox Rally as part of their team, Driving Miss Daisy, joining about 200 other cars in the week-long charity challenge.
The Shitbox Rally is not a race but a challenge to drive inexpensive cars across formidable roads. Over the past 15 years, Box Rallies have raised more than $62 million for the Cancer Council. The rally requires participants to travel about 4000 kilometers over seven days, starting in Mildura, going through remote South Australia, central Queensland, and up to the Gulf before finishing in Townsville.
Mr. Angel said the couple had been trying to secure a spot for years. Their 2010 Volkswagen Golf, named Miss Daisy, was purchased for under $1500 and transformed with a custom paint job featuring large colorful daisies. The rally holds personal significance: Ms. Angel lost her father to cancer before the birth of their first child, and a close friend of Mr. Angel died from the disease at age 43.
The team has already raised $17,000, aiming for $20,000 before the rally begins on June 19. Fundraising efforts include raffles, donations, and community support. The couple also plans to auction a framed, autographed West Coast Eagles jumper and a signed Perth Scorchers championship shirt.
The rally provides a boost to regional communities along the route, with teams spending on fuel, food, and accommodation. However, fuel supply concerns have led to the postponement of the 2026 autumn rally to July. Mr. Angel noted that while the winter event is still scheduled, they are prepared for possible changes. A Box Rallies spokesperson said fuel logistics are always considered in planning.
Since partnering with Cancer Council in 2010, Box Rallies has raised over $60 million for cancer research, funding 86 projects. Cancer Council NSW's director of marketing and fundraising, Naomi Watson, called the rally one of Australia's most impactful community-driven fundraising events, noting that nearly one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by age 85.
