PHIL Malkin was recovering from a bone marrow transplant in December last year when doctors gave him the devastating news. He had just weeks to live.
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His Riverside family – wife Tach and children Beau, 12, and Charlea, 15 – have been dealing with the 45-year-old’s death from leukaemia since January.
They hope to raise more than $25,000 for The Leukaemia Foundation to try and ensure few other families have to experience their grief.
The organisation received a cheque for more than $2500 on Monday from fundraisers held at Beau and Charlea’s schools ahead of the inaugural Phil’s Dive for a Cure.
The event, to be held November 8 at Bicheno, will feature an hour-long dive, food, music and a silent auction, as well as the opportunity for people to paddle or swim.
‘‘This is to repay the Leukaemia Foundation for everything they’ve done,’’ Mrs Malkin said.
‘‘Our journey to some degree has come to end, and this is about someone else’s journey now and trying to find a cure.
‘‘This is Phil’s last wish and we’re going to go through with it.’’
The Leukaemia Foundation blood cancer support co-ordinator for Northern Tasmania, Jo Beams, said Phil’s Dive for a Cure presented people with the opportunity to make a difference, remember Mr Malkin and embrace life.
■Phil’s Dive for a Cure will be held on November 8 at Waub’s Bay, Bicheno, from 10.30am. For more information visit facebook.com/philsdiveforacure.
