THE winner of the Surf ‘T’ Surf 10-kilometre run will receive a medal named in honour of one of its biggest supporters.
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Illness will prevent Bendigo father-of-three Tracy Wilson from completing the fun run’s longest distance on Sunday.
But the lifelong Warrnambool visitor – he took his first steps in the south-west on a family holiday almost 50 years ago – is determined to add to his tally and wants to walk the six-kilometre course.
Wilson’s world changed when he was diagnosed with cancer in the lead-up to Christmas 12 months ago.
Back pain he initially shrugged off as the result of sporting endeavours – he played 300 games of football for Eaglehawk and Marong – forced him to visit the doctor.
The news was the start of an emotional roller-coaster for Wilson, his wife Sharon and their three daughters Mikaela, 21, Jessey, 19, and Ellie, 15.
“I have a 13-centimetre tumour on my kidneys. It’s secondary in the bones as well now, which is unbelievable seeing as I’ve always been so fit,” Wilson said.
“We are doing all we can. I am on radiation and now I am on drugs to beat the cancer.
“We are hoping these drugs I am on now are working. Although they’re cruel and giving me a lot of pain and aches, if they’re working that’s what you’ve got to do to get well.
“There are no guarantees with any of this – it’s all trial and error – but we are certainly trying every single thing they can come up with to give me every chance to be around for plenty more Surf ‘T’ Surf fun runs.”
Wilson’s family has holidayed in Warrnambool every summer for 74 years, including the past four decades at the same site at Surfside Caravan Park.
The Surf ‘T’Surf is part of the fitness-focused Bendigo Bank worker’s yearly routine.
“My first trip was as an 11-month-old and I actually walked here for the first time,” Wilson said.
“So this is our home really. We come for a month every year and of course the fun run has been a big part of all that.
“I have played a lot of football so it was a great way to start off my pre-season footy training – smash out a 10km and go home a bit fitter than all the other boys.
“I haven’t missed any since the kids have been around. I had to keep the tradition up (last year). Although I was diagnosed with my cancer then, I was still strong enough to get around in the 6km event.”
Wilson said the chance to retreat to Warrnambool and give his family a reprieve was invaluable.
The avid Carlton supporter undergoes his treatment at Royal Melbourne Hospital – a stone’s throw from the Blues’ Princes Park base.
Wilson watches Carlton train – defender Michael Jamieson bought his membership and he chatted to list manager Stephen Silvagni – using it as an outlet from his troubles.
He is hoping his nephew, Horsham-raised Jarrod Berry, who is considered a first-round AFL draft pick, will land at the Blues next year.