Cancer diagnosis inspires Rotto Swim group

For some, the thought of swimming in open waters is a terrifying prospect, but for one Hedland resident and his swim team, it’s an opportunity to raise money and awareness of pancreatic cancer.

Aaron Ellis-Kerr, wife Jodie, Mary-Anne Tienery and her partner Nev Steele will take part in the Rottnest Channel Swim on Saturday, February 25, as the fundraising team The Pilbara Special.

In 2016, Mr Ellis-Kerr and his family were faced with the realisation cancer can happen to anyone, when a close family member was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and in an effort to raise money and awareness, he has partnered up with Pancare Australia.

“For me I didn’t think much about pancreatic cancer,” he said.

“When my family member was diagnosed, I started looking more into it and realised just how harrowing it can be.

“Pancare have been really supportive in every way they can since we decided to raise money with the swim and people have been really supportive and helping in any way they can.”

In the lead-up to the swim, Mr Ellis-Kerr and his team have been holding sausage sizzles, selling raffle tickets, and this Saturday he will be shaving his head at South Hedland Shopping Centre.

The team have also created a fundraising page, where so far they have raised more than $2300.

To help support Mr Ellis-Kerr, the Pilbara Special and Pancare Australia, donate at swim.gofundraise.com.au/page/PilbaraSpecial or visit pancare.org.au.