Captain Australia treks through the Pilbara on quest to raise money for The Kids’ Cancer Project

Passing Captain Australia in the Pilbara heat and you might think you’re seeing some sort of mirage or stepping into a scene from Mad Max. But his journey is part of a greater quest, walking the perimeter of Australia for The Kid’s Cancer Project. Catching up with Pilbara News on a 42-degree day somewhere between Karratha and Roebourne, Captain Australia, aka Simon Harvey, pushed his 120kg trolley to the side of the road, filled to the brim with big-lap necessities (think baked beans, protein bars and lots and lots of water) to chat about his venture. “I found The Kids’ Cancer Project when I was waiting for my own chemo radiation; I’d occasionally see children waiting to use machines,” Captain Australia said. “There was one child in particular, I remember seeing him waiting for radiation treatment and looking out the window to the Ekka — it’s a big fair in Queensland — with a Ferris wheel, sideshow alley and all that jazz and I just thought, that’s not fair.” This isn’t the first time Captain Australia has stretched his legs for the cause, in 2021 he dressed in a handmade green and gold superhero costume and walked from Brisbane to Melbourne over 84 days, raising $165,000. “This time around, the on-paper goal is to raise a million bucks for kids cancer research. More than 1000 Aussie children are diagnosed every year,” he said. Walking the journey alone, Captain Australia said he’s been inundated with support from the community. “If people see me out walking, sometimes they bring me cold drinks or food or ask if they can lend a hand in any way,” he said. “Someone dropped off some blueberries and mandarins recently, I’ve had so many lovely encounters with people.” Captain Australia is now making way for Hedland and will pass through Broome, Darwin and ultimately finish off his trek in Brisbane. “I usually start my walk in the early morning hours and seek shade when it gets too hot around midday,” he said. “I usually walk, get out of the sun, walk and get out of the sun. “It is 42 degrees today, yesterday was 41, so we’re battling through heat and various road conditions.” To check his progress and to donate, visit Captain Australia’s Big Lap Facebook page or head to captainaustralia.online.