IN 2002, Melton’s Pam Shepheard set out on a 10-day journey that changed her life.
It was her first time in the Variety Bash, an annual car rally from Melbourne to Alice Springs that raises money for children with a disability or illness.
This year’s trip from Echuca to Broome will be her 11th rally with husband John. Together, they have raised $127,681.
Shepheard was inspired to get involved by her son Troy, who had a rare muscle disease. He died from a heart attack seven years ago, aged 28.
She was recently nominated by Variety for a Pride of Australia Medal for her charity work.
“I could see as a parent of a sick or disabled child there were hurdles everywhere,” she says. “I decided I wanted to do something to help other families facing the same battles.”
This year, the Shepheards hope to raise $20,000.
“We have a lot of support from local businesses in Melton – we do sausage sizzles, coin collections and we do raffles,” Shepheard says.
Bash entrants must drive cars that are at least 30 years old. On August 20, the Shepheards will wheel out their 1983 Statesman DeVille for the trip.
“You’re always occupied during the trip – it’s basically all a dirt road, so by the time you navigate, it keeps you busy,” Shepheard says. “We have stops along the way where we have fun things to do.”
Details: variety.org.au
