Inside Mackay woman’s Sh**box Rally fundraising drive

After her own scary diagnosis, a Sarina woman signed up for the fundraising adventure of a lifetime. Read why she had the big chop and is joining a colourful charity drive to Darwin.

When a friend battling breast cancer posted photos of her hair loss throughout her treatment, Karen Mayes decided to message her directly to say what “really radiates” is the bright smile in each and every shot.

Ms Mayes was herself diagnosed with a benign brain tumour last year and decided to cut her own hair in advance of the Spring Sh--box Rally to raise money for cancer support, research and prevention.

She will be in one of 220 cheap cars in a cross-country charity event on the Savannah Way to raise money for Cancer Council.

Karen Mayes is raising money for Cancer Council by cutting her hair and participating in the 2022 Spring Sh--box Rally. Photo: Contributed

“So, if you picture going from Mackay to Darwin and taking as many dirt roads as you can, that’s the way we’re going,” she said with a laugh.

“When you use the word ‘rally’, a lot of people automatically think of racing cars.

Karen Mayes is raising money for Cancer Council by cutting her hair and participating in the 2022 Spring Sh--box Rally from Mackay to Darwin. Photo: Contributed

“But the other meaning of the word ‘rally’ is to come together.”

The Big Cut event hosted at Palms Sarina Beach was held last weekend.

Though there’s adventures yet to come, Karen Mayes said The Big Cut was able to successfully raise about $1800 for the Cancer Council.

Mel Sutton and son Jude from No Fuss Cuts volunteered for the main event, which was attended by an “enthusiastic crowd”.

Karen Mayes is raising money for Cancer Council by cutting her hair and participating in the 2022 Spring Sh--box Rally from Mackay to Darwin. Photo: Contributed

“Some people are going through the hardest days of their life and they manage to smile every day,” Ms Mayes said.

“Hair is only hair, you know.”

Sarina woman Karen Mayes had her hair cut by No Fuss Cuts’ Mel Sutton and will head off with Sh**box Rally to raise money for Cancer Council. Picture: Contributed

The community event had lucky door prizes provided by Alcorns Bakery & Cafe Sarina.

While Ms Mayes was happy with her new ‘do, the fundraising continues in the run up to the Sh**box Rally.

Her rally team, Livin’Lovin’Laughin’, will continue to fundraise until November 4.

“We have a great multi-draw raffle,” she said.

Sarina woman Karen Mayes had her hair cut and will head off with Sh**box Rally to raise money for Cancer Council. Picture: Contributed

“The prizes really showcase the generosity and beautiful of Sarina and district with $2000 worth of prizes drawn on October 31.”

Raffle tickets are available via the Livin’Lovin’Laughin’ Facebook page or by contacting Ms Mayes at 0408 477 743.

The Sh**box Rally will leave Mackay Harbour at 8 am on October 15, 2022.