FOR Ian Dalgleish, his reason for putting car and body on the line in a demolition derby took has taken on extra-significant meaning these past days.
The Cloverdale man had already arranged his entry into this Saturday’s event to be an official fundraiser for Cancer Council WA, and had proudly sorted special car decals and begun promoting the cause, when he got the news about a loved one that every family dreads.
“We took Dad to the hospital last Wednesday and they found a lump on his left lung,” Mr Dalgleish said.
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READ NOW“Then they found spots on his brain and lymph nodes.
“With Dad’s situation, it brings on a whole new meaning for the derby.”
Biopsy results sadly confirmed the cancer presence and while it was not the news the family had wanted, the diagnosis has given Mr Dalgleish extra focus as he prepares for Saturday’s demo derby.
The 39-year-old is a regular entrant in the smash-and-bash event at Kwinana’s Perth Motorplex but his passion is usually channelled into preparing an old car and putting a smile on the face of children in pit-lane, which is easy if his derby machine is decked out in a funny theme.
On Saturday though, the clapped-out Hyundai Excel he’ll race under the familiar No.80 will be out there chasing as many donations as smiles.
The derby is part the program of one of WA’s biggest annual speedway events, the King of Wings.
To donate, search Demo Derby For Cancer at www.doitforcancer.com.au