With endless stories to tell and a new appreciation for adventure, Brad and Kerry Gardner have returned from the trip of a lifetime after taking on the Spring 2023 Shitbox Rally.
The Giru couple embarked on the adventure last month, joining a convoy of 250 ‘shitboxes’ travelling from Port Douglas to Adelaide, all while raising money for the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Brad and Kerry, also known as their team name ‘Gunn Ado’s’, arrived in Port Douglas on Friday, October 13 to assemble with the rest of the group and get briefed on the trip.
It was here they met their buddy group, made up of six other teams of two, and Brad said these people quickly became lifelong friends.
“Even still today, we’re still talking, messaging, catching up, sharing our plans for the weekend,” he said.
“It was just a fantastic group of people we had with us which made it all worthwhile.”
The rally began the following day with stops at Einasleigh, Winton, Windorah, Birdsville, Marree and Rawnsley Park before finishing at Adelaide.
After a week of late nights, busted tyres, fuel dramas and plenty of socialising, Brad said arriving in Adelaide on the last day was an emotional and satisfying experience.
“It was probably one of the most fulfilling things we’ve ever done,” he said.
“Being able to raise over $21,000, being able to give back to people and raise that money for cancer, it was fantastic.
“We were out of our comfort zone, sleeping in a swag every night, sometimes not even having a shower, but no one complained, we just went with it.
“It’s pretty emotional at times so you learn a lot about yourself, who you are and the people you’re with.”
Brad and Kerry have embarked on another fundraising journey as they prepare for the Mystery Box Rally out of Airlie Beach in 2024.
“There are so many people who sponsored us, supported us and are still supporting us to this day, and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the time and money they put in,” Brad concluded.
Brad and Kerry Gardner dressed in honour of their friend Gary Corradi who passed away from cancer a decade ago. Photo supplied
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