Raising awareness of pancreatic cancer in rural and regional Australia is my mission.
When Kirri Harvey lost Andrew, her husband of 23 years to pancreatic cancer shortly after his 60th birthday, she was devastated, “When I lost him, my world fell apart”. In her search for answers, Kirri was searching for a way to create change and a way to carry her husband’s memory forward, raising awareness about pancreatic cancer in rural and regional Australia.
The Great Purple Drive
From the moment she saw her first roofless beach buggy as a teenager, Kirri always had a quiet dream to own one. When she saw a blue, 1967 convertible buggy for sale in Western Australia, she and her good friend Mardi Lloyd thought “Let’s do it!”.
Over 14 days, the pair drove 3,576km as they travelled across the Nullarbor Plain in the buggy, from Duncraig in WA all the way home to Phillip Island. They stopped in regional communities along the way to raise awareness and spread the message that the story for pancreatic cancer is changing, and raising vital funds for Pankind’s mission to make treating pancreatic cancer a fair fight.
Survival rates in regional and rural Australia are just eight per cent, compared to 13 per cent in our cities. And it’s for this reason that Mardi and I are trying to raise awareness.
A diagnosis that came too late
Andrew was full of life - adventurous and always ready to embrace something new. He and Kirri were in outback Queensland when he first noticed a yellow tinge in his skin.
He had no prior symptoms. The diagnosis was sudden, devastating, and all too common. Shortly after that he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he had just turned 60.
He woke up with a yellow tinge to his skin
Andrew began chemotherapy and the first round seemed promising, offering a glimmer of hope. Sadly, the second round of treatment was not effective and Andrew passed away soon after on July 15, 2024.
“We did everything together, we worked together and spent all our time together.”
Finding friendship, finding strength
Kirri’s path through grief led her to a local sporting club, where she met Mardi. Becoming firm friends quickly, Kirri said, “Mardi has helped her through some tough times. We only met eight months ago, and we are having the best time.”
And their friendship inspired Kirri and Mardi's Great Purple Drive.
Kirri and Mardi drove 3,576km from Duncraig, WA to Phillip Island in an open top buggy
A journey powered by community
Starting on 14 October 2025, the buggy has become more than a vehicle - it was a conversation starter, a symbol of hope, and a reminder that pancreatic cancer deserves greater awareness.
Locals across the country have pitched in - from donating car stickers and fixing seatbelts to sharing meals and stories.
"Each stop, each chat, each smile reminds us why we’re doing this.”
They met people from all walks of life, including others raising awareness for cancer. One memorable moment was meeting Dale and Conrad from the Yalata Indigenous Community Settlement, who are supporting young people through connection, compassion and cultural pride.
They also crossed paths with Woz, a fellow community fundraiser navigating life with a terminal diagnosis. “Two teams, same mission — more research, more awareness, and more hope,” says Kirri.
This journey was for Andrew. It’s for every family touched by pancreatic cancer. And it’s for the future - a future where diagnosis doesn’t mean losing hope.
Be part of something that changes lives
People like Kirri and Mari, are at the heart of Pankind’s mission - raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and highlighting the disparity of survival rates between major cities and regional or rural areas. Our mission is to triple survival rates for all Australians is our mission - making sure no Australian is left behind, no matter where they live.
Kirri’s commitment doesn’t end with the drive. With support from RSL Phillip Island, she’s also launched a local Put Your Foot Down walk — an opportunity for her community to come together, walk in solidarity, and raise funds for Pankind
By participating our community fundraising events or doing your own, you help give people a fairer fight against pancreatic cancer.
Become a community fundraiser helps us raise awareness and vital funds to support research that has the potential to end pancreatic cancer.
Together, we can change the story for Australians affected by this disease.
