MAKINGMEMORIES
“It was such an overwhelming feeling to watch
him go down that track, it was a huge mix of
emotions,” Frank said.
“It was really touching to see the effort everyone
has gone to – no one has to do anything like this,
and it is so heart-warming to know there are
people out there that really care about kids in
Alex’s situation. The world can be an ugly place
but when you have people like this doing things
like this, they stand out like a shining light.
“This has been an opportunity to let Alex do
something that he has wanted for so long and
that he otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do;
a treasured memory he can look back on.
“On behalf of the whole family and all who love
Alex I have to really emphasis our thanks to all of
those involved - Jason Stares has been absolutely
pivotal in making this a reality and together with
Tim Reidy, Kingsley and Lauren Kuchel, ANDRA
and plenty more has made this a reality for Alex
and we can’t thank them enough. We also have to
thank the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association for
fitting Alex’s run in at what is one of their biggest
events to date and Alan Ward for promoting it all
over the place. It is very humbling that so many
people have gone to such a huge effort.”
As part of the activities at the race track,
donations were also taken in support of the Save
our Sons Duchenne Foundation with more than
$3200 raised. If you wish to donate, please visit
https://www.saveoursons.org.au/
The Muscular Dystrophy Association explains
that Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most
common and the most severe form of Muscular
Dystrophy. It is a genetic disorder characterised by
progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.
It is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy and
is caused by an absence of dystrophin, a protein
which helps keep muscle cells intact. Symptom
onset is in early childhood, usually between ages
three and five. The disease primarily affects boys,
but in rare cases it can affect girls. Until relatively
recently, boys with DMD usually did not survive
much beyond their teen years however thanks
to advances in cardiac and respiratory care, life
expectancy is increasing. For more information
on DMD, visit https://www.mda.org/disease/
duchenne-muscular-dystrophy
*The engine on the dragster was running however the
drive belt was removed. At all times, it was the driver of
the golf buggy, not Alex, who had control of the dragster.
Photos by Automotive Event Images
Alex and his family would also like to thank the following people who
have played a part in this special occasion:
• The Collis brothers for suppling their Junior for Alex to drive
• Aaron Brookes and Bruno Cugnetto from VPW for giving Alex the race
suit, helmet, gloves and boots.
• Rob Sharp from YBI for all designs and posters
• Anthony and Tegan Petterwood from Lifestyle for the crew shirts
• Jason Maggs from Mprint for doing the wrap design of the helmet wrap,
stickers and for traveling to Mildura to fit the wrap
• Sunoco Race Fuels for supplying race fuel.
• ANDRA for sorting insurance
• Kingsley Kuchel, the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association, Tim Reidy and
Allan Ward for all their input and help.
• Grima Brothers Wholesale Produce
• R Newman’s and Son embroidery
• Macarthur Trophies for a trophy and its engraving
• Joseph from Pizza cafe for supplying Alex’s favourite food for dinner
• The Boulevard Motor Inn and Mildura Motor Inn for giving Alex and his
family and the Collis brothers accommodation for the weekend.
• Kellie, Ella Ruby and Maddison Anne Stares for helping come up with the
idea and for all their help leading up to race.