Two local 'Wonder Women' are on a mission to raise money for a good cause.
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Hartley based photographer Karen Edwards and her friend Margaret van Horen have teamed up to take part in the Mystery Box Rally and raise funds for cancer research.
The ladies originally made the decision to partake in the event back in 2020 but due to COVID-19 there had been some delays.
Karen and Marg were due to set off on their three week adventure on July 26 but once again it had been postponed until November.
Despite the pushbacks Karen reflected on why she was determined to participate in the rally.
"When Marg suggested we do this back in 2019 I jumped at the opportunity. My life had taken a major turn and while unfortunate it was expected, however, what followed was not and made me question a lot of things," she said.
She said the rally had given her purpose and determination to raise funds for cancer research.
"At that time, I had family and friends battling cancer and had already lost some to cancer and knew raising funds for cancer research was so important," she said.
"Our country was in drought and knowing that we would be visiting remote areas and bringing income to those communities, along with seeing parts of Australia I had not been too and of course the opportunity to photograph things along the way."
Karen said her and Marg came up with the name 'Team Wonder Women' after personal experiences and thought it was quite fitting.
"Several years ago, I got an unexpected call from Margaret and she told me she had breast cancer...she was so calm and so very brave.
"I've sat with my cousin and friend while they had chemo pumped into the veins and watched others battle the big C.
"I shared with Marg that I thought they were all wonder women to have gone through all of this and the fact she was now wanting to raise money for others who may have to go through the same, she is the wonder woman and so Team Wonder Women was born," she said.
She said after applying and being accepted into the rally her and Marg were asked who they were driving for.
"Marg had recently lost her friend Fiona and I had lost several family members to cancer but I will be driving for a family friend Richard," Karen said.
"His passing affected someone I loved more than any of us realised at that time. Cancer sadly creates ripples and the effects of this can change things forever," she said.
"Richard's beautiful bride Melody misses him every day. It's an honour to drive in their memory."
The Mystery Box Rally will take Karen and Margaret on a unique adventure across remote Australia. They will be driving in a vehicle older than 25 years and worth under $1000 as outlined in the rules.
"They call it Mystery Box Rally for a reason as we have no idea where we will be travelling until the daily briefing," Karen said.
"We do know that we will be travelling on rough and remote roads and approximately 6000km in the WW car."
You can help support Karen and Marg in their drive to raise funds for cancer research by donating here.
To keep up to date and support Karen and Margaret on their adventure follow Team Wonder Women Mystery Box Rally 2021 on Facebook.