General News
16 April, 2025
Thousands raised for cancer research
Gavin, Wade, and Shannon Morrow set off in March with partners, siblings, and soon-to-be friends on a 1500-kilometre three-day exodus across three states to raise money for the Fiona Elsey Research Institute in Ballarat.
They had a goal of $20,000 and returned triumphant with that and more.
After a tour of the research facility on Friday, March 29, to see firsthand the research program underway there, the convoy set off for some fun and games on their Drive to Survive fundraiser.
"The real success of the trip was having the theme days," said Gavin.
"As soon as we stopped people asked us why we were dressed up and that started the conversation about our fundraising goals and as soon as we explained, they were very keen to donate."
"The first day was fairly tame because we had to wear hats and they could be of any kind.'
Wigs, push-up bras, and heels
However, it would seem from the photos the brothers plus are also fashionistas in the making, with wigs, heels, and push-up bras making an appearance on the second day.
On the third day, disguise welcomed imagination and the public was in for a treat with flintstones, lollipop ladies and the 'revered in habits' creating some fun along the way.
Wade and Shannon said the generosity of strangers was heartening and while people didn't often say why they donated, they could tell that some had been touched by cancer and realised the importance of research.
"One thing we noticed is that people don't carry cash anymore so on the next trip we may address that," said Wade.
"However, donations can be made directly to the Research Institute online and some did that too."
Day one took them to Mildura, then across to South Australia's Riverland and the Barossa Valley, Birdwood and The Bend at Tailen Bend before heading home to Horsham.
We told you in our preview there was a particular shirt making an appearance on the trip.
Well.....one brother had a shirt made with his favorite sister's face imprinted on the fabric.
"She walked out and didn't realise what I had on but as soon as she did, well.........," said Shannon rubbing his arm.
The trio plus will do it again but perhaps every second year.
"We are keen to do it again because the research is important," Gavin said.
"The Drive to Survive project is a vital fundraiser for fuiding a cure but we are mindful of the cost of living and hesitate to ask the community to give too often when there are so many worthwhile causes," Gavin said.
Gavin Morrow is the Vice-Chair of the Fiona Elsey Research Institute and was named Horsham's Citizen of the Year 2025 for his work in cancer fundraising and as founder of Healthy Minds in Horsham.
The Fiona Elsey Research Institute tells Fiona's story.
The inspiration for a regional Victorian cancer research facility came from a young cancer patient, Fiona Elsey, who planted a seed in the mind of her oncologist, her family and her community.
Fiona Elsey grew up in Ballarat in regional Victoria and attended Ballarat High School.
In 1990 she was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma at the age of 13.
She underwent treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital, where she was treated by Ballarat paediatric oncologist and haematologist Dr George Kannourakis.
Ewings Sarcoma at that time had a survival rate of 5% and despite treatment, Fiona’s disease progressed.
The relationship between doctor and patient is particularly close especially when the patient is dying.
George Kannourakis was pivotal in enabling Fiona to remain at home in her final weeks.
During this time, Fiona asked George why cancer research only occurred in capital cities.
She made him promise that he would make her dream of a regional research centre a reality so that other people would not have to go through what she was going through - insightful and brave from a young girl battling a terminal disease.
From Fiona’s dream, a garden of hope has grown in the form of a world-renowned research institute in Ballarat
