Kirri and Mardi's Great Purple Drive - 3,576 kms for pancreatic cancer
Hi, I’m Kirri, and this is my amazing friend Mardi. Together, we’re about to take on a big adventure — one that means the world to me. Less than 2 years ago, I lost my beloved husband Andrew to pancreatic cancer. Andrew and I were partners in every sense — we shared a love of life, adventure, and saying “yes” to every opportunity that came our way. He had an incredible spirit that made even the smallest moments feel big.
Since losing him, I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and to make sure people — especially those living in rural and regional communities — know about the vital work Pankind is doing to change the story of this disease.
So, in true Andrew-and-Kirri (A&K) style, I’m turning my grief into action. Mardi and I are setting off in an open-top buggy, driving 3,576 kilometres from Duncraig in WA, across the Nullarbor, and all the way home to Phillip Island. We’ll be on the road for about 12-14 days, stopping at roadhouses and small towns along the way to spread the message that the story for pancreatic cancer is changing.
Through Pankind, incredible progress is being made — in research, awareness, and advocacy — so that anyone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer gets a fair fight, no matter where they live or what their situation.
This journey is 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.
I’d love your support to help make that future possible. Please get behind The Great Purple Drive by making a donation — every kilometre we travel will help drive change.
💜 Thank you for being part of this adventure, and for helping to turn the tide for pancreatic cancer.
— Kirri
My Achievements
Thank you to my Sponsors
$50
Lou, Marg & Chris Capsalis
$20
Tony & Maree Mckiernan
$333
The Dirty Dozen North Pier Golf
$675
Rhyll Phillip Island Angling Club
Well done Kirri and Mardi. Fantastic effort for a worthwhile cause.
$54.12
Mark Hayes
Dirty Dozen member
$11.65
Anonymous
$50
John @ Corner Store Cowes
$54.12
Kez
Girls should Rule the World 🙌
$150
Dicko’s Mates @ The Sanni
$54.12
Korral Guy
Fantastic work girls. Andrew would be so proud.xx
$211
Crest
$50
Lauren Cave
Well done Girls!!! Magnificent effort.
$33.15
Debbie Palmer
Good on you girls
$200
Kathy & Tim Don
$22.58
Vicky Moutafis
Great job! Andrew would be proud of you ❤️
$22.58
Damian Madion
all the best
$211
Billy From Narrogin
Better than greatest buggy ride we salute you Phillip island thunderbirds it's along way to the top when your rolling your buggy home
$33.15
Judith Smith
$20
Vicki @ Cambrelle’s Nhill
$211
Peter & Judy Lawrence
A worthy cause for an insidious cancer. Well done ladies!
$50
Bruce Who We Had A Beer With @ Riverview Hotel Tailem Bend
$106.12
Neil & Simone Webber
$100
Jim The Legend From Wa @ Aaugust Hotl
$33.15
Jarrod Dykes
$22.58
Louise Jeffery
It was lovely to meet you both at Mundrabilla Roadhouse yesterday. You are both so bright, bubbly and having such an adventure whilst raising awareness for pancreatic cancer. Andrew would be so proud of you both. Stay safe and enjoy the ride 😘
$106.12
Doug & Jenn Rickarby
Great purple adventure. Have loved following you girls across Australia! 🥰🥰
$50
Dale & Andrew @ Nundroo Roadhouse
$20
Peter & Helen @ Great Australian Bight
$100
David & Adrian @ Mundrabilla Roadhouse
$22.58
Ron & Serena @ Cocklebiddie Roadhouse
$54.12
Cinty Met At Cocklebiddy
Sorry for your loss Kirri but what a wonderful adventure to help ease your grief whilst making fantastic new memories.
$54.12
Tiny Snow
$9
Luke Cocklebiddy Roadhouse
$54.12
Ray Williams - Cocklebiddy Roadhouse
$50
John Oldfield
$10
Anonymous
$20
Gay @ Caiguna Roadhouse
$20
Sandy @ Caiguna Roadhouse
$20
Frank @balledonia Roadhouse
$33.15
Anonymous
We had a friend that had passed recently
$54.12
Woz And Theresa Hodges
Was great meeting you at Balladonia Good luck on your travels
$10
Hazel & Ron Balladonia Roadhouse
$106.12
Haydn Cave
Go Girls, travel safe. And keep away from 12BORE, WA number plates. LOVS YAH ❤️❤️❤️
$22.58
Mal And Gray Balladonia Roadhouse
$106.12
Vicki & Shane Bolton
Well done Kirri and Mardi. Champions 💪
$50
Patricia Ennis
$50
Brian & Annette Carr
$50
Guzzi John
$33.15
Wendy Bidmead
Be safe
$50
Justin Murdoch
$150
Brad @kalgoorlie Pub
$106.12
Cheryl Mccole
Well done ladies 👏🏻
$211
Rigali Motors
Amazing ladies doing crazy things for a great cause.
$106.12
Doug Bush
$33.15
Sarah Bartlett
A little more for one of my all time favourite artists D’Angelo who died of Pancreatic Cancer today 😭😭😭😭 https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/oct/14/dangelo-dead
$106.12
Frankie
Best of luck on your brave journey! Kirri and Mardi you two are just amazing to undertake this vital fund-raising and awareness raising trip! 💜💜💜💜💜
$54.12
Robyn And Jodes
Best of wishes to you gorgeous ladies on your adventure. Stay safe, have a blast and we are all behind you. Love you. Go blue Buggy.
$54.12
Elements Hair Room
Well done girls!! 👏
$54.12
Vanessa Church
Go Girls! An amazing effort! 🥰❤️
$33.15
Gill And Mark Dickson
Safe travels Ladies
$33.15
Coastal Dreaming Decor
Go Mel - so inspiring! I hope the trip goes well and you raise lots of $$ and awareness. Can’t wait to read about how it all goes
$50
Dicko
Safe travels ladies. ENJOY
$54.12
Adam Hb
$54.12
Lauren Capicchiano
Good on you girls for using your grief for positive change. Best luck and have fun!
$54.12
Hollie Stephenson
$106.12
Scott Mitchell
Great cause for one of great mates, stay safe. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
$106.12
Lisa Keily
Safe travels girlz. Can’t wait to hear your stories when you get home. Love you xx
$54.12
Robyn And Chris Coulson
Drive safely girls 💕
$54.12
John And Eve Morgan
safe travelling, enjoyxx
$54.12
Tracey Crocker
$54.12
Nancy Rummery
$106.12
Sarah Bartlett
Go Thelma and Louise!! Look after yourselves ❣️❣️ Sunscreen, water, sunscreen, no cliffs!! Love you both xx
$54.12
Helen And Brent Smith
Good luck ladies fantastic cause
$54.12
Helen & Lou Mareska
Good luck and safe travels on you adventure
$54.12
Sonia Lombardo
Inspiring ladies!
$100
