12-year-old Tully and her dad Nelson are preparing to hit the road in ‘Margot the Tarago’ to join a convoy of 70 teams as part of the Lunchbox Rally, travelling through regional NSW to raise money for the Cancer Council.

You would have heard of the Shitbox and the Mystery Box Rally before – they are events held across the country to raise money for the Cancer Council, but this will be the first ever Lunchbox Rally.

The Lunchbox Rally 2024 convoy will take off from Hay, NSW on September 27 and travel 1,500-kilometres through remote NSW, returning to Hay on October 1. Each team has an adult and a sidekick (child aged 7 to 15 years old) and must drive a car worth $1,500 or less and raise a minimum of $3,000. The participants camp at each stopover during the rally with activities and meals all planned out for the participants by the Box Rally Team and volunteers.

Nelson works for Orica and in his role spends a lot of time in the Central West and interstate. Despite travelling around a lot for work, Nelson is no stranger to the Rally.

“I started doing them because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.

“I completed my first rally back in 2018 with my friend Chris as a participant and I absolutely loved it. It’s a great feeling to be giving back to the community and I’ve been involved in a couple of rallies each year ever since.

“When the Lunchbox Rally was announced I immediately showed Tully, and she couldn’t contain her excitement and was super keen to be involved as she’s seen me go away over the years and understands what it was all about so she’s very excited to hit the road and have a go herself.”

Tully can’t wait to hit the road and be a part of the ‘2 Fat 2 Fly’ Team.

“I’ve always wanted to go on the Rally because I know of lots of people who are battling cancer. I think what Dad does is cool and it’s awesome how much money he raises for cancer research.

“I have always wanted to experience what Dad has in the rallies.

“I’m very excited, I think what I’m most excited for is meeting new people. I am quite shy at school so this will be a big step for me.”

Nelson said Tully has been helping with the vehicle preparations by making the frame for the bed in the back of the Tarago and gathering what they need for their adventure so she’s been involved in the whole process.

Box Rallies James Freeman OAM, Founder and CEO, lost both of his parents to cancer within 12 months of each other.

The charity events he has created are among the most successful in Australia. Recently the Box Rally Foundation were thrilled to announce they have recently funded 11 new cancer research grants, totaling an incredible $5.3 million. Over 14 years of box rally events, a mammoth $48.9 million has been raised for the Cancer Council.

“For years kids around Australia have only heard of the many rally stories from those adults lucky enough to have taken part. Until now!

“Lunchbox is a very unique opportunity for kids to see outback Australia in a safe, friendly and community environment. With elements from both Shitbox Rally and Mystery Box Rally it has a few kid friendly differences such as less nights, less kilometres and a kid friendly environment in the evenings.

“We are most looking forward to the kid’s involvement in the overall experience and going to places that they may have never usually travelled to and the camaraderie that will be developed with the kids meeting new people.”

The convoy takes off from Hay on September 27, travels through Cobar, White Cliffs and Pooncarrie, before heading back to Hay over three nights and four days.

If you would like to get involved and donate or have your business promoted on the car during the event contact Nelson via his Instagram below then follow the prompts for the 2 Fat 2 Fly donation page. Follow along on Tully and Nelson’s adventure via their Instagram: @thatsupportguy_team2fat2fly