Rally car drivers are gearing up to take part in one of Australia's longest running charity car rallies in support of kids with kidney disease.
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Kidney Health Australia's Kidney Kar Rally will return for its 34th year from August 14-19.
The rally will see drivers travelling through regional NSW on a course spanning more than 3000km, from Mudgee to Narrandera via Bateman's Bay.
A total of 39 rally cars driven and designed by supporters of Kidney Health Australia will take to the dirt track to raise funds and awareness for the charity's Kids and Youth program.
The program helps children and young people deal with the physical, emotional and psychological impacts of kidney disease.
Brightening lives
Graeme Meade and Bruce Chamberlain are taking part in this year's rally with their team The Sunshine Blokes.
Graeme said the pair had been involved in several rallies in the past and were happy to be raising funds and awareness for such a good cause.
"We were fortunate to spend some time at the Kids Kidney Camp (in July) and meet some children going through this disease, and despite their situation, they were so positive and open," he said.
"They were super inquisitive about our involvement in the Kidney Kar Rally.
"We're determined and committed to spreading the word to a broader audience about kidney disease and what these kids go through."
Graeme said the pair loved the sense of comradery they get from rally driving and are looking forward to meeting like-minded people.
He admitted they pair were a little nervous about the structure of the rally - which is different to previous rallies they have participated in.
''There is a bit more emphasis on navigation skills and that might be testing for us as we're both used to (the) driver's seat,'' he said.
The rally has raised more than $15 million for the program to date and this year's fundraising goal is $400,000.
More common than you'd think
Kidney Health Australia chief executive Chris Forbes said most people did not realise so many kids are affected by kidney disease, thinking of it as an older person's disease.
"Kidney Health Australia's Kids and Youth Program helps kids be kids, helping them and their families find the peer-support they need," he said.
For more information on the rally or to donate click here.
