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BECCKY Johns was a passionate supporter of Kidney Health Australia and its work with kids, so no doubt her dad Paul will be channelling her enthusiasm when he embarks on the 4000-kilometre Kidney Kar Rally in a few months’ time.
Mr Johns is joining Scott Black to form Beccky’s Dream Team, one of 64 teams that will be taking on the eight-day journey from Griffith back to Wagga Wagga, both in southern New South Wales, taking in the far northwestern corner of the state.
The rally, held in mid-August, raises funds for Kidney Health Australia to help it run its Kidney Kids Camps, Kidney Kids Capers and young adult programs, supporting children and young people affected by kidney disease.
Beccky grew up benefiting from such programs: she was born with infantile polycystic kidney disease, a condition that claimed the life of her older brother Brett when he was an infant.
As she grew older she became a mentor to younger children and, as an adult, she began volunteering for Kidney Health Australia, then working for the organisation in administration and event co-ordination.
But in November 2015, at the age of just 23, Beccky passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, caused by the anti-rejection medication she took for the two kidney transplants she had undergone in her life.
Since then, her family have been active in continuing her legacy and fundraising for the benefit of Kidney Health Australia.
To participate in the Kidney Kar Rally, each team must raise at least $4,500.
But Kidney Health Australia says the event is also about raising awareness in the communities the rally passes through, with staff conducting education around prevention, detection and support along the way.
To support Beccky’s Dream Team’s efforts, visit https://kkr2017.everydayhero.com/au/becckys-dream-team.
This month, the Belmont Hotel is also using its regular Friday night community raffle to support Kidney Health Australia and the Beccky Johns Foundation.