Wellard local to walk 100km during Men’s Health Week and raise funds for prostate cancer research

A Wellard local is putting his best foot forward by pledging to walk 100km to raise funds for prostate cancer during Men’s Health Week. Peter Wilkinson has been in the fundraising game for nearly two decades now, with his latest endeavour raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia hitting a little closer to home as he now battles that cancer himself. The local legend will be completing his challenge during the national week, which runs from June 12 to 18 this year. Mr Wilkinson said he was motivated to make a difference after his father died from prostate cancer in 1995. “After that I was being tested annually because of the family history, never thinking I would be diagnosed myself, but in 2016 I was,” he said. “It was aggressive and I underwent a full prostatectomy. “I have always played sport and walked a lot, so I think being fit helped in my recovery. I am still playing AFL Masters Football, WA Veterans Cricket and walking regularly.” Mr Wilkinson said things were running smoothly until 2021, when another small tumour was found in the bed where the prostate was. He has since been receiving radiation treatment under the close eye of his doctor. According to PCFA, around 330 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the Wellard region alone. Mr Wilkinson is raising funds for PCFA’s perfect match campaign, which invites individuals and teams to tackle 22km in one week, representing the one Australian man diagnosed every 22 minutes with prostate cancer. “My aim is to help more local men gain access to clinical trials and new medicines,” he said. “On average 15 per cent of Australian men are diagnosed once the disease has spread outside the prostate, which means clinical trials are key to saving lives.” So far, Mr Wilkinson has already smashed his fundraising goal of $500 and is hoping to raise more. PCFA chief executive Anne Savage said she hoped to see the community get behind the local legend during his campaign. “Mr Wilkinson has been a long-time champion for the cause and an inspiration for our work,” she said. “Whether you’re an individual or a business, every bit of support makes a difference.” All donations made during the campaign will be doubled by Australian brands Tyrepower and Hire a Hubby. To donate, visit perfectmatch.org.au and search Pete Wilkinson.