CONSIDERING the anguish Paul Byrne and his family have been through over the past six years, covering 3500km of rough Aussie tracks in an old Commodore probably seems like light work.

Mr Byrne's son Alex was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of six months, marking the beginning of a harrowing four-year battle for survival.

It was a battle the family could not have overcome without the help of Camp Quality, an organisation that allows young cancer sufferers and family members to take some critical time out during the most stressful times.

"It's extremely hard on families because you just don't know what is going to happen," Mr Byrne said.

"We have had friends who have lost children to cancer so we consider ourselves the lucky ones."

Having always wanted to do something to repay the good deeds that Camp Quality did for him, a clean bill of health for his son meant Mr Byrne finally had the chance, this year, to prepare for the Escarpade event - a 2000km car rally that will wind its way from Bundaberg to Wollongong this week.

Mr Byrne has spent the past three months preparing his 1991 VN Commodore for the gruelling journey, with a bull bar, spotlights, bash plates, front and rear towbars and CB radio all required for the trek.

Equally as important is the paint job, which features an Alex the Lion motif - referencing the movie Madagascar and honouring the fighting spirit of his young son.

"We have already raised $6500 but I hope to get that up to $10,000 by the time the rally is done," Mr Byrne said.

Now in its 22nd year, the rally passes through Dalby, Boonah, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook, Bathurst, and Bowral.

For more information or to make a donation please visit http://www.escarpade.com.au