Wellard man Peter Wilkinson raises more than $4000 for prostate cancer research during 114km walk

Wellard man Peter Wilkinson has most certainly put his best foot forward after walking more than 100km and raising more than nine times his original fundraising goal for prostate cancer research during Men’s Health Week. The 68-year-old trekked a total of 114km between June 12 and 18 and smashed his $500 target by raising a total of $4612 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. In a letter sent to the Sound Telegraph, the local legend thanked the community for their support. “To my surprise and with the help of your valued donations, I raised $2306 which was then doubled by sponsors Tyrepower, Hire a Hubby and Tabcorp,” he said. “I am very humbled by it, but it was something I knew I had to do as this is such an important message to get across to the guys out there. “I am so proud of what I have achieved with your help, so thank you all.” Mr Wilkinson’s latest accomplishment was 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. But Mr Wilkinson said he was motivated to set himself a bigger goal as he battles prostate cancer for a second time. Mr Wilkinson first became involved in the fundraising game more than two decades ago after losing his father to the same disease in 1995. Following his first diagnosis in 2016, Mr Wilkinson underwent a full prostatectomy before another small tumour was found in the bed where the prostate was in 2021. He has since been receiving radiation treatment under the close eye of his doctor. According to PCFA, about 330 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the Wellard region. PCFA chief executive Anne Savage said Mr Wilkinson was an inspiration to the community. “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.” To find out more about the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, visit pcfa.org.au.