Remembering Stan Simmons:
A Tribute to a Life Filled with Love and Laughter
This year marks the 40th anniversary since we lost my dad, Stan Simmons, to bowel cancer. He was a man who filled our lives with joy, laughter and love.
Dad found joy in the simple pleasures of life—golfing with Mum and his best mates, capturing the beauty of nature through his paintings, and a love of country music. His mornings were sacred, beginning with a walk along the beach followed by a refreshing swim. Never one for cars, he navigated town and commuted to work on his trusty push bike, embodying a commitment to health and simplicity.
He was a beacon of health and vitality, someone who took care of himself and valued wholesome living. Yet, cancer slowly took its toll, turning him into a shadow of the vibrant man he once was. Witnessing his decline was heartbreaking, but his spirit remained indomitable till the end.
In honour of Dad's memory and his enduring spirit, my son Oliver and I are embarking on a special journey—the Lunch Box Rally. It's more than just a rally; it's a heartfelt mission to raise funds for the Cancer Council, an organisation dedicated to fighting the disease that took Dad from us too soon.I was only 17 when Dad passed away, the youngest of five children. He was 54. Now, as I live three years longer than he did, I'm reminded of the preciousness of time and the legacy Dad left behind. His resilience in the face of illness and his unwavering love for life continue to inspire me every day.
Please consider donating to the Cancer Council in memory of Stan Simmons. Your contribution will support crucial research, patient care, and education, ensuring that fewer families experience the heartache we endured.
Join us in honouring Dad's memory and celebrating his passion for life by making a donation today. Together, we can make a difference and continue Dad's legacy of love, laughter, and joy.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dean and Oliver
Lunchbox Rally is not a race – it’s a fun adventure. Each night will be spent camping beneath the stars and celebrating the days achievements. It’s an incredible opportunity to see some of Australia’s vast and beautiful countryside and make new friends!
Lunchbox Rally 2025 will see teams set off from Broken Hill and return to Broken Hill 4 days later! Each night we will be stopping in remote outback locations to enjoy bush hospitality at its finest and be making memories that will last a life time.
Lunch Box Rally is a dedicated fundraising event for cancer research with funds going to Cancer Council.
Cancer Council is one of the largest non-government funders of cancer research in Australia. We conduct and fund research studies across all cancers and all stages of the cancer journey.
Thanks to the community funds raised such as Lunch Box Rally we can fund world-class research that reduces the impact of cancer for everyone.
$50 million over the past 15 years has been raised by Box Rallies to date, supporting ground-breaking projects such as:
These projects wouldn’t be possible without your support.
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