James Heathershaw is driving an old Holden from Melbourne to Cairns as part of the Variety VicBash.By Sarah Schwager
A CRANBOURNE man is driving the east coast of Australia to help raise money for kids with special needs.
James Heathershaw will arrive in Cairns this weekend after leaving Melbourne last Tuesday as part of the 16th annual RACV Insurance Variety VicBash.
Along with his colleagues Heather Deegan, Graeme Bruton and Lisa Muldoon, Mr Heathershaw will endure 11 days in a 1966 HD Holden as they make their way up the east coast to raise money for the children.
Mr Heathershaw said it was his first year in the event and so far he had had a lot of fun.
“It’s hard to explain how much fun it is.
“It’s also for a worthwhile charity to help sick and needy kids,” he said.
He said so far they had not had too many problems with the car.
“We had a universal joint go but luckily there’s a mobile mechanic with us all the way.”
Mr Heathershaw, 31, said his wife had been very supportive of his involvement in the event, despite him leaving her at home with their 18-month-old son.
“Three years ago she went to Vietnam after raising money for cataract operations so she can’t say too much,” he said.
The VicBash is Variety’s biggest annual fundraiser and involves more than 130 themed cars and crews, with all funds raised going to a number of different charities that cater for disabled or disadvantaged children in Victoria.
Last year’s RACV Insurance VicBash raised more than $1.3 million.
