Jayco supports around-Oz fundraising tour

Australian RV giant Jayco is lending support to a 12 month trip around the country aiming to raise money for cancer research.

Vanessa Wyder, a 26-year-old cancer survivor along with two friends set off from Melbourne on January 25, in a top-of-the-line, four-berth Jayco Optimum valued around $150,000. 

The Fiat Ducato-based luxury motorhome will be their home for the rest of the year, as they visit towns around Australia holding fundraising events.

After visiting Victoria’s west coast in recent days, the plan is to travel through Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Uluru, and Cape Tribulation before heading down the east coast to arrive in Sydney by October.

Wyder said the Jayco deal came through after a chance encounter with a business contact who upon learning about her dream to travel around Australia, said “he would do what he could do”.

“Then while I was in intensive care ward I got an email saying Jayco would loan me a van for 12 months. I jumped around the ward in excitement,” she told the Warrnambool Standard newspaper.

The aim is to raise $1million for Cancer Council Victoria that will be used to fund research looking at overall immunity to beat cancer.

Since first being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease in November 2006 when aged 21 Wyder has twice beaten the deadly illness, which affects the lymphatic system. After a series of treatments including radiation and chemotherapy she is currently in remission.

According to her website the journey will “also be an opportunity... to experience what this vast and beautiful country has to offer and show everyone that whilst things may at times seem grim, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel”.

For further details or to make a donation, visit: cruisin4acure.org.au