By Jed Lanyon
Heather Roberts and Lee Thompson are preparing to embark on a 5150 kilometre journey from Perth to Sydney via Uluru as they participate in the Shitbox Rally.
The Shitbox Rally will take place from May 8 to May 17 where those involved have to drive a car worth less than $1000 across Australia while raising money for the Cancer Council.
The pair will commandeer their Marvel superhero inspired 2000 Ford Falcon AU as the Agents of Sheila.
Their shitbox has been spray painted with a galaxy-like coat and adorned with Marvel memorabilia, flags and stickers.
While the requirement to participate is raising $5000, Ms Roberts and Ms Lee have already smashed that goal having raised nearly $6000 with plenty of time to spare before their journey begins.
The pair has worked hard to raise that amount having organised raffles and even a Bunnings sausage sizzle.
Agents of Sheila plan to have a garage sale at Edge Martial Arts in Mount Evelyn on Sunday 28 April to keep that number growing.
Ms Roberts shared why raising money for the Cancer Council is important to her.
“My husband died of cancer two and a half years ago, so to me it’s a worthy cause and a passion of mine,” she said.
“Everyone on the run has been touched by cancer, we need more research into cancer and that’s solely why we are doing this.”
Ms Roberts hopes to carry her husband’s memory with her on the journey.
“Life’s for living now, so I thought why not. It’s something I can tell my grandkids I did.
Ms Roberts said that she did have some concerns as to whether their 19 year old car will make it to the end of the cross-country drive.
“We’re going on such rough terrain, lots of unsealed roads, river crossings and corrugated roads, so there is a chance that something could happen to the car,” she said.
500 people will join the Shitbox Rally in 250 cars.
“If you want to follow our journey we’ll be posting on Facebook,” Ms Roberts said.
To learn more, follow: @agentsofsheila on Facebook or donate at: https://2019.shitboxrally.com.au/agents-of-sheila
