Shocked members of the esCarpade "family" have vowed not to let Friday's tragic road accident stop the future of their amazing fundraising adventure. Bathurst woman Stella Carter was doing what she cherished most, raising money for kids with cancer, when she died instantly in a car crash just 20 kilometres from the official 2006 esCarpade finish line on Friday afternoon. Mrs Carter and her husband Ian, who sustained serious injuries in the crash, were long-time participants and supporters of the car rally and integral members of the close-knit esCarpade "family". Dubbo couple, Anne and Steve Bassett are past participants of seven Camp Quality car rallies and although not enroute for this year's event, they were the driving force behind Friday night's dinner at the Old Dubbo Gaol. Mrs Bassett yesterday said esCarpade's 130 participants were like "one big family" and over the past 10 years many have affectionately looked upon Mr and Mrs Carter as the "mum and dad" of the close-knit team. "They looked after everyone, it was like one big family and to be apart of something like that was a beautiful feeling," she said Friday night's dinner at the Old Dubbo Gaol had been planned as a fitting finale to the amazing seven-day journey, which spanned three states and 3500 kilometres and raised a phenomenal $700,000 for sick children and their families. The formalities were cancelled following the news of the tragic accident but the esCarpade "family" still came together in what can only be described as a remarkable display of solidarity and support. "It was a very quiet night with a lot of tears and a lot of talking but the fact everyone was together made it a little easier," Mrs Bassett said. Camp Quality CEO Simon Rountree yesterday praised the "wonderful supportive spirit" of the rally team, some who have been competing together in the annual fundraiser for the past 15 years. He also vowed the tragic crash - the first accident ever experienced in the event's 15-year history - would not deter the annual motoring adventure from rolling around again next year. "The Carter family has already expressed a strong desire for the esCarpade to continue next year," he said. Mrs Bassett also spoke of the same strong sentiment, affirming "Ian and Stella would not have wanted the accident to change anything". Mr Rountree yesterday thanked the Dubbo people for their "overwhelming" support and generosity in helping to raise $23,000 in a local radiothon spearheaded by 2DU. "Even in the light of tragedy we were astounded by the number of calls and best wishes," he said. "The overwhelming support and the spirit of the Dubbo people has been just amazing". The remarkable sum raised will help send 30 local children and their companions to Camp Quality.