By donating to prostate cancer research, Ian feels he is paying tribute to his two mates who died from the disease many years ago.
Ian, 81, lives in Nambucca Heads near Coffs Harbour (NSW) and began donating to prostate cancer research in 2017, some years after the death of two friends. His father was also diagnosed with prostate cancer in his late 80s, although he passed away from a heart attack and not cancer.
The former teacher has very fond memories of his mates and said donating is a memorial to them.
“During my student-teaching days I had some very good friends, Harry and Toby,” he said.
“Harry died in 2001 and Toby died in 2007.
“Somebody either told me or something inside of me said ‘get into this research’ and that’s why I support it.
“I think the organisation is doing a great job. I am happy to support it.’’
Recently Ian and daughter Sally popped in to say hello to the APC team at The Hospital Research Foundation Group office during a 10-day trip to South Australia.
Ian was keen to find out more about THRFG’s involvement in various medical areas and hopes to talk to others in his community about the work that is done. He said finding out that community members have
cancer affects everyone in a small town.
“Just recently another retired teacher I know died,” he said.
“If people die in a small community with cancer, I feel I have to do something by donating, to keep this
organisation going.
“I want to tell people, I know this charity in Adelaide, here’s the address – please yourself.
“I hope I can strike a note.’’
Ian who has a yearly appointment for a prostate cancer check said his advice to all men is to ‘Get checked out’.
“That’s all I do once a year,’’ he said.
THANK YOU Ian for your generous donations over the past five years.
If you would like to advance prostate cancer research like Ian, please head to our donate page.
