A young Gundagai local is combining his passion for racing with a cause close to his heart, launching a unique online fundraiser in support of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Craig Bond, a keen go-karter and sim racer, has turned his nightly virtual races into a platform for good, raising funds and awareness for bowel cancer research. Inspired by a friend who lost a grandparent to the disease, Craig decided June was the perfect time to take action.
“I thought, it’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and I wanted to do something that could make a difference,” Craig said. “It’s just a small thing a team effort with my mate to raise money and spread the word.”
With a modest fundraising goal of $500, Craig has already raised $190 and hopes to reach his target by the end of the month.
His family is also playing a part, helping to promote the campaign and share the donation link across social media and the community.
To boost visibility, Craig has even customised his virtual racing car, covering it with bowel cancer awareness messages and logos to catch the eye of fellow racers and spectators. He races on weeknights and some weekends, turning his home sim setup into a rolling bill-board for the cause.
The fundraiser may be online, but Craig’s racing achievements are very real. A rising star in junior karting, he has already notched up five competitive races this year, including standout performances across NSW.
In January, Craig travelled to Oakleigh for the prestigious Junior Top Guns, racing against 38 of the best young drivers in the country. Despite being caught in an early crash, he finished 18th.
Weeks later, he came fourth at Round One of the Sydney Trophy Series, followed by a dominant clean sweep at Wagga’s Round Two, putting him in the lead for the overall championship heading into July’s third round in Dubbo.
His racing journey hasn’t been without setbacks during the Joseph Benchinet Memorial race in Griffith, Craig battled rain and a blown engine, finishing 15th out of 28. In the virtual racing world, Craig has made just as much of a mark. He’s taken out one national sim racing championship, placed third in another, and won a team title alongside a fellow karting mate in the highly competitive Porsche Cup series.
While the races are exciting, Craig says the fundraiser is about more than trophies. “Everyone knows someone affected by cancer. This is just my way of trying to help, even in a small way.”
Donations can be made through Craig’s online fundraising page, and locals are encouraged to show their support as he races toward the finish line not just on the track, but for a cause that matters.
You can follow Craig’s karting journey through his YouTube ‘Craig Bond Racing’ and you can donate to the fundraiser with this link
https://event.bowelcanceraustralia.org/page/CraigBond-2364536
If you would like to further support Craig on his journey he is currently seeking sponsorship to pursue his racing dreams and you can contact him via his Facebook ‘Craig Bond’.
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