A few years ago, Claire Benge was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, her and husband Bruce advocate for others with the help of the Vintage Car Club.
Claire and Bruce Benge are Lower Hutt locals. They have spent almost their entire lives here and now reside in Maungaraki. The pair have been married for more than 50 years, and often finish each other’s sentences and chuckle at the other’s stories. Their relationship was founded on their appreciation of vintage cars, and when they first learnt of the Vintage Car Club, the couple immediately found their community.
“We used to travel all over the country to different car clubs. We would go on roads you’d never normally go on and meet so many people,” said Bruce. “One time, we began in Gisborne to watch the sun come up, then drove across the North Island to Taranaki to watch the same sun go down.”
The Vintage Car Club, of which the Benges are members, is one of the largest motoring clubs in New Zealand. There are 36 branches across the motu and more than 8,000 members. “We’ve made friends all over the country,” said the pair.
The club is known for their rallies. Throughout the year, events host cars and owners to network, meet friends, and build connections. This August, Claire and Bruce will be returning to attend the Daffodil Day rally, where proceeds will go towards Cancer Society New Zealand. Their motivation to attend this year is as stronger as ever, due to Claire’s breast cancer diagnosis.
“It was just after Covid and we were getting back to normal,” Claire said. “I was having a bad sleep and felt around for lumps and there was one.”
This was the beginning of a lengthy process of chemotherapy, radiation, and ultimately a mastectomy. Although the cancer was advanced, Claire was supported by her friends, especially those from the Vintage Car Club.
“All the wives of the guys that own cars used to come see me and talk to me in the afternoons and mornings to keep me company,” she said. Eventually, Claire and Bruce Benge were able to return the favour to other members of the group who were diagnosed with various types of cancer. “We’ve all been able to support each other.”
The Vintage Car Club’s local Daffodil Rally will be held at Brewtown, Upper Hutt on Sunday 23 August from 10am-1pm. The day consists of vintage and ornate cars and hot-rods, food stalls and activities for all ages. Proceeds from all Daffodil Rallies nationwide will go towards helping achieve Cancer Society New Zealand’s mission of reducing the incidence and impact of cancer through support, research and advocacy. One in three New Zealander’s will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and there are many stories out there just like Claire and Bruce Benge’s. By contributing and donating on Daffodil Day, and at events in the lead-up to the day like the Vintage Car Club’s Daffodil Rally, you can do your part also.
For more information on the Vintage Car Club’s Daffodil Day rallies, visit
www.vcc.org.nz/daffodil-rally-cancer/. To donate now, visit www.daffodilday.org.nz