General News
28 March, 2025
Morrow brothers cancer research fundraiser with Drive to Survive
Horsham's Morrow brothers, Gavin, Wade, and Shannon, will set off on Friday, March 28, for a three-day trip and a mission to raise $20,000 for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Institute cancer research program.
"Our ultimate goal is to find a cure for cancer, and we'll continue to do this and other fundraising until we get there," Gavin said.
"That's the goal."
The three-day state event, Drive to Survive, continues their ongoing support of the cancer institute.
It follows a previous jaunt on postie bikes along the River Murray that raised a similar amount.
Most people have been affected by cancer, either directly or they know someone who has, and the brothers are among those having lost their father to cancer.
But it's not all work; they intend to have some fun along the way, with prizes for the best hat, the best cross-dressing outfit, and the best disguise.
"We asked each team to raise a $2000 entry fee to donate to the FECRI, and that helped bring the total to more than $12,000 before the flag fell, and in recent days, people have made donations, bringing the total to almost $15,000 already," Gavin said.
Each day has a theme, and some might think you have to be brave to join in when you hear about the themes, but the brave ones are those going through cancer or supporting someone who is, which is the whole purpose of the trip.
"There is no restriction on what car you can enter, but it should be in sound mechanical condition to travel 1500 km," he said.
They'll each be taking their own cars on the drive but Wade said his ute would need a new battery before they set off and a few minutes on the hoist in the workshop, but he's confident it will make the trip.
Day one will test entrants' creativity with their hat wear as they take off from Ballarat after a Fiona Elsey Cancer Institute Laboratory tour.
They'll have the opportunity to speak with one of the research scientists before the 450k trip to Mildura.
Taking in the scenery and local hot spots, they'll most likely pose for pics with the Mallee Bull and enjoy lunch at the famous Birship bakery.
The best hat will be judged and awarded at dinner.
Saturday morning will see an array of outfits.
"I already have my dress and wig," said Gavin, but he wasn't willing to let on if he'd be a blonde or brunette on this trip.
Shannon has not been quite so lucky in his search for a frock.
"There doesn't seem to be many ladies in town that are built like me, and the op-shops so far haven't come up with the goods, so I'm still on the hunt for a dress," he said.
It will be interesting to see how the brothers last the 350-kilometre trip on Saturday in heels and wigs!
After a pit stop at Wentworth NSW and a look at the Murray and Darling Rivers, they will travel through Renmark to the Barossa Valley in South Australia. Awards will be handed out for best dressed at dinner.
Sunday's theme is disguise, so again, a lot of fun is expected as they head to Birdwood to visit the famous car Museum, from there to Lobethal and Hahndorf to Mount Barker, then home, but there may be a stop at the Tailem Bend race complex for those interested.
Six teams are joining them.
Gavin Morrow was named Citizen of the Year 2025 for his work in cancer research for the FECRI and his work in mental health in the community through Healthy Minds. He is also Vice Chair of the Fiona Elsey Cancer Institute.
has information that a surprise shirt will appear along the way.
Watch this space!
Donations can be made at the Morrow Motor Group on Dimboola Road or on