About 18 cars set off on an eight day journey on Friday to raise money and awareness for Cancer Care Western’s Western Care lodge.

Motorists will travel through scenic suburbs including Lithgow, Goulburn, Temora, Hay, Cobar, Coonabarabran and Gulgong.

Western Care lodge resident Yvonne Glew said she and her husband Terry, who has received treatment for prostate cancer, benefited greatly from the service.

“It’s good in the lodge, they can be with other people and talk about what they’re going through,” she said.

“Instead of being in a room on your own and thinking about things, they get out and speak to other people about what they’re going through.”

Mrs Glew said the support of Cruisin’ Along organisers and participants was “wonderful”.

“It’s great that everyone can come out and contribute to the running of the lodge,” Mrs Glew said.

“If you had to worry about accommodation, it’d be a real worry.”

Co-organiser John Davis said awareness was a key aspect of the event.

“It’s not all about money, it’s about advertising Western Care lodge and the facilities available here for cancer patients to make sure their doctors and medical people are aware of it,” Mr Davis said.

“To find a cancer cure for different types, any improvement is worth following and supporting and this is a fun way to do it.”

Cancer Care Western chairman John Carpenter said the lodge was a home away from home for many visitors.

“It’s not only a place of accommodation but it’s a place where people can share their concerns,” Mr Carpenter said.

“They mix with one another, they make light of what is often a fairly difficult situation.”

Team captain Paul Rouse said the cause was close to his heart.

“I’ve just lost my brother a couple of years ago through cancer and my dad died of cancer,” Mr Rouse said.

“Everyone’s affected.”

Mr Rouse has raised about $10,000 through advertisements on his car.

He encouraged members of the community to donate to the cause.

“Any little bit is all important,” he said.

The lodge has looked after about 4,000 guests since it opened  and has provided cancer patient and carer accommodation for the medical service catchment area of 280.000 people.

Lodge residents come from as far as Cobar, Coonabarrabran, Youngm, Grenfell, Lake Cargelligo and some areas closer to Mudgee and towards Sydney.

Visit www.ccwest.org.au to make a donation to the lodge.