Pensioner Pete's Power Paddle for Cancer

By Peter Dixon

In Loving Memory of Helen Rita Dixon 24 Jan 1956 - 9 March 2025

My wife Helen, passed away on the morning of 9 March 2025.  We had been married for 47 years and I know life will never be the same.  
Helen had been battling Pancreatic Cancer for over 20 Months, spending many long days at the Chemotherapy and Radiation Departments in Albury, various emergency departments she had to visit, and her final days in the Bright Hospital.  In all that time, I never heard her complain, NEVER!  She is the toughest and loveliest woman I have ever known.
15 years ago, Helen acted as support crew member when my daughter and I paddled down the Murray River to the mouth in South Australia.  With that in mind, I am planning a similar trip this year, starting in September, as a Fundraiser for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.  Instead of my daughter, I will be co-paddling with our pet Poodle Maggie, and my good friend Geoff Barton has volunteered to be our Support Member.  If everything goes to plan, we will be paddling about 2,500 kms.
Everybody, the doctors, admin staff, nurses and orderlies at the Cancer Centre do an amazing job but they need your help.  All the money raised will go to new facilities, services and research.  
Please get behind us and donate what ever you can afford!

My Updates

Peter and Maggie are in the Border Mail!

Wednesday 9th Jul
Head to https://bit.ly/44zKqBn to read more about Peter and his epic fundraiser! 

Front Page News!

Wednesday 18th Jun

🎉 Big news for Peter! After appearing on TV, he's now made the front page of the Alpine Observer and Myrtleford Times! 📰👏

Don’t get the paper? No worries – you can read the story online! 💻📲

 - Peter's paddle for a purpose



Pensioner Pete on 7 News

Monday 16th Jun
📺 In case you missed the news story on Pensioner Pete's Power Paddle for Cancer, head to the following link and hear why Peter is paddling 8.32 minutes in.

📺Watch the news story:
https://7plus.com.au/7news-border?episode-id=7ALB25-118&autoplay=true

Major Sponsor!

Wednesday 28th May
Toll Group is proud to support Peter on his incredible journey, making a meaningful impact to the Albury/Wodonga & surrounding communities.  Good Luck Peter!

Maggie May - Co Paddler

Tuesday 6th May

What a sweet and beautiful girl!

Tuesday 6th May

My favourite photo of Helen & myself. xx

Tuesday 6th May

Who's our Queen?

Tuesday 6th May
This photo was taken on Helen's 69th Birthday (24 January) at the Albury Base Hospital, waiting to be transferred to the Albury Cancer Centre.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$20k

Toll Transport Pty Ltd

Toll Group is proud to support Peter on his incredible journey, making a meaningful impact to the Albury/Wodonga & surrounding communities. Good Luck Peter!

$2k

Rotary Club Of Bright

$1.02k

Mary And Jim Kondarios

We are privileged to know such a wonderful couple. Missing Helens smile. Go Pete 🚣

$1.02k

Barbara Romanowski

Helen is beaming over your commitment and love to see this through. Pete you’re a star. I’ll have you make super hero capes for Maggie and you. 😊

$1.02k

The Rowdy Nine

For Helen

$1.02k

Krystina Johnson

So proud of you. Xx

$1.02k

Georgia Taylor

Both you and mum are absolutely unforgettable! I love you so much, power the pensioner!

$1,000

Rotary Club Of Mount Beauty

$1,000

Bright Lions Club

$1,000

Commercial Club Albury

$1,000

Csc Colleague Match

CSC Colleague Match

$996

Pip

So sorry about Tony. You're doing an amazing thing Peter. We are so proud of you. Safe travels! xoxoxo

$515

Wei Been Aw

All the best.

$515

Ray And Dale Turner

Our thoughts to you and Helen PS. We hope you catch a fish !!!

$515

Peggy Barton

In loving memory of our brave, kind & selfless friend Helen, never giving in and always thinking of others.

$515

Club Savoy

$500

Corryong Lions Club

$500

Myrtleford Lions Club

$500

Star Hotel

For Helen

$435

Carolinna Lee And Simon Kelley

All the best to you and Maggie May. A tremendous effort for a great cause and an amazing tribute to Helen. You are an Alpine Valleys Legend.

$400

Alpine Womens Group

$315

Robin Taylor

Bloody hell Pete your a legend Meet you at the mouth

$315

Dean And Hannah

Such an an amazing adventure Pete and Maggie May. We’re so disappointed we never had the chance to know Helen, she was obviously an incredible lady.

$315

Helen Smith

Go Peter! We're all cheering you on and you know Helen will be cheering the loudest and right beside you all the way ♡

$300

Greg Donald

$263.75

Bladey

Great cause - go well!

$263.75

Alliance Dental Group Vic

$263.75

Bree And Tim Fernandez

For my Aunty Helen, the kindest most beautiful soul. Proud of you Uncle Pete! Xxx

$257.75

Billy Dixon

Captain crumpet 👨‍✈️of the 7 seas, first mate Maggie May and. Deck-hand Geoff.. Mum would be so proud of you Maggie……… oh and you too Dad. This is a beautiful honour for Mum. Love Billy and Kelly ⚓️🏴‍☠️

$250

Chiltern Lions Club

$250

Sophia Richardson

LOVE YOU UNCLE PETER xxxx Soph & Wez

$215

Hayley Dixon (favourite Daughter)

Proud of you Dad!

$211

Glenda Dixon

Proud of you Paddler Pete! 👍 Helen would be delighted ♥️

$211

Linda And Terry Marshall

Sending you good wishes , will be thinking of you all the way

$211

Lyn&frank Milburn

On ya Pete - we’re with you all the way

$211

Emily Dixon

Go you good thing! Wishing you all the best Uncle Pete. You're amazing xx

$211

Verona Sullivan

Our best wishes for you and Maggie May on your river journey

$211

Fatma Khoder

Wishing you all the best! 🙂 Hope you hit the goal and achieve even more!

$211

Maddy, Cleo And Baby

All of love Unlce Pete - You are an inspiration and so was Aunty Helen. She would be so proud of you.

$211

Fabrice Kwigize

$211

Bright Rod & Kustom Club .

$211

Roger Dixon

What a wonderful way to honour the life of Helen. I wish you every success in this challenging endeavour Peter

$211

Carleen Bisinella

$208.60

Paula& Kym Tilgals

You are amazing Peter. I'm sure Helen will be with you cheering you on your way. Safe journey Peter and Maggie. Ps ( no detours this time😂)

$206.20

Bright Cwa

Paddle well x

$200

Goldfield Holiday Units

Well done Peter. Looking forward to seeing your progress

$200

Toni & Erwin

Wishing you and Maggie all the very best in your quest raising funds for this important cause. Helen would be so proud!

$165

Star Hotel Patrons

For Helen

$158.25

Isabella Richardson

Go Uncle Peter!!! Helen would be so proud. Love you, from Bella and Millie xoxo

$158.25

Adolf May

All the best Peter will be cheering you on. X

$158.25

Renae Spicer And Family

Helen always wore a smile no matter the circumstances, and was such a lovely and kind woman. The bright nursing team can’t wait to cheer you on from the sidelines Peter, good luck! xx

$150

Cafe Borellas

Best wishes for a safe trip.

$110.72

Don And Ev Rupp

What a beautiful thing you are doing, Pete. We wish you safe travels . Helen was a delightful person, as are you. We hope you achieve your goals and perhaps we may see you somewhere along the way. God Bless. Xxx

$106.12

Russell Brown

Hey Hayley, It’s devastating that you have had to endure the loss of your mum, taken way too early from you all. That task at hand for your dad is courageous and I wish him every success in his endeavours, and more importantly, the community and research your raising awareness and support for. Best wishes, Russell & family x x

$106.12

Andrew Pooley

Regional towns need more funding for better health facilities. Keep paddling Peter!

$106.12

Laura Harris

Incredible work Peter! What an amazing way to honour Helen. Made my day to hear that you are doing this! Happy paddling :)

$106.12

Milena Mcdonald

Beautiful Helen 🌸

$106.12

Lisa Kazazes

$106.12

Audrey Mitchell

Good luck Pete. For Helen xxoo

$106.12

Janette Jones

I always enjoyed having a chat with Helen at woolies, and once we sat next to each other at the cancer centre whilst we were having our treatment.

$106.12

Greg Green

Good luck Pete your going to need it

$106.12

Patsy Hunt

$106.12

Lyndall Newton

$106.12

Paul Carmichael

Go big Pete.

$106.12

Clive Sacher

best of luck!

$106.12

Michael Enright

Good on you Peter and the best of luck. I'm sure Helen would of been very proud. Much Love Michael

$106.12

Helen Carlson

Helen would be so proud of all you are doing to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. A wonderful way of honouring her memory.

$106.12

Toni & Chris O’brien

$106.12

Cathie & Jason

You are an inspiration Pete, our very best wishes 💪

$106.12

Clair Madden

Wish you well in your adventure Pete - Clair @ Toll, Perth

$106.12

Mohamed Wazze

Keep strong and dont give up.

$106.12

Wanda & John

What a great thing to do Peter, Good luck on this amazing adventure that you and Maggie are embarking on.

$106.12

Rachel Murphy

For all the times you and Helen put up with our teenage antics. Good luck Peter, Maggie and Geoff.

$106.12

Nadia

So amazing uncle Pete, aunty Helen will be with you all the way. Love Nadia, Rick & the kids xxx

$106.12

Sue And Arno Van Winden

You're legend Peter! Best wishes.

$106.12

John And Annie Robinson

Well done Peter - John & Annie

$106.12

Sherry Rodgers

$106.12

Veronica Mills-mateer

$106.12

Anonymous

$106.12

Ron & Regina Malafiej

Good Luck Peter!

$106.12

Rodney Taylor

$103.72

Dan And Lou

Great effort, let us know when you’re heading for Murray Bridge. Take care

$100

Lawrie And Jess

For Helen

$100

Hele L’huillier

What a lovely fundraising venture for a great cause in memory of Helen. Thankyou to the Alpine Observer for printing this moving, front page article. Safe paddling, Peter.

$100

Dipan Adhikary

Great work !!!!!

$100

Olga Campbell-wood

Go Pete and Maggie!

$100

Jane White

Enjoy your journey

$80.25

Wayne Reade - Toll

$80.25

Lisa Buckley

A fabulous thing to do. Helen would be proud. Sending you a big hug. Go Pete !!!!

$80.25

Janice Kool

$74.10

Cathy Hewett

We all loved your Helen..she'd be looking down so proudly at you Pete

$60

Cheryl Shuey

For Helen

$54.12

Catherine Shaw

You are doing amazing things Peter Dixon. ❤️From Georgia"s work buddy

$54.12

Bird Family

Best of luck!

$54.12

Arun Anebajagane

Nice one Peter! Great spirit.

$54.12

Lee & Chris

$54.12

Eric Liaw

Hi Hayley, I resonate with your situation and fully supportive of what your dad is doing. I worked in Tamworth for many years and can relate to the community rallying behind your dad's endeavour. All the best to your dad's journey and remember to have fun.

$54.12

Benita And Tony Newcombe

$54.12

Michelle Mcallistet

$54.12

Andrea Saggers

$54.12

Vicki Newcomb

Good on ya old boy!!!

$54.12

Justin Hennessy

Best of luck on your paddle - an amazing cause and all the very best.

$54.12

Spencer Dixon

Best of luck Poobah, it’s awesome what you’re doing

$54.12

Jodie Germaine

This is a wonderful tribute to Helen. Safe paddling Peter. You’re amazing.

$54.12

Natalie Kelly

All the best, Peter.

$54.12

Ross Newland

$54.12

Lili And Tim

Hi Pete - we were so sorry to hear about Helen. That’s an awesome challenge you’ve set yourself there! Inspirational!! We’ll be thinking of you. Lili and Tim

$54.12

Adrian

All the best Peter wishing you safe travels

$54.12

Murray Pettinger

Good luck ! Amazing cause

$54.12

Mayu Shimura

$54.12

Sue

Love and best wishes

$54.12

Lyndall H

$54.12

Anonymous

Good luck Pete. Wishing you every chance of a successful trip.

$54.12

Michelle Barker

$54.12

Vicki Losch

Safe trip Pete, Helen will be with you all the way.

$54.12

Wandilidogs Grooming

Good luck Peter and Maggie we hope you have an amazing and safe adventure down the Murray river. A wonderful tribute for Helen and raising money for a much needed service. Will be thinking of you and sweet Maggie. Donna.x

$54.12

Susan Anderson

Safe travels Peter.

$54.12

Anonymous

$54.12

Betty Castricum

$54.12

Bruce Nordeck

$54.12

Darin Lynch

$54.12

Heather & Greg Kelly

Good luck Peter to you and Maggie. A wonderful way to acknowledge your lovely wife Helen.

$54.12

Mary Bakkum

Thinking of you Peter,all the very best to you and your family.❤️

$54.12

Yvonne Ward

Paddle well, Pete

$54.12

The Maronis

Beautiful tribute and amazing challenge xx

$54.12

Renee Myhr

What you are doing is incredible and very inspirational

$54.12

Barbara Clapperton

Good luck.

$54.12

Gloria De Marchi

What an inspirational way to honour your wife and all those that have battled. .

$54.12

Jody Vlahandreas

Good luck Peter! Wishing you a safe journey

$54.12

Toll Group

Hope to help in a small way to contribute to Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre with new facilities, services and research.

$54.12

Gavin De Zylva

Great work Peter, good luck

$54.12

Habib

All the best mate, best wishes from the Roxy footy club

$54.12

Brodie Naggs

$54.12

Sammy Dagher

Good luck Peter. What you and your family are doing in memory of Helen is remarkable. The Roxburgh Park FNC is right behind you.

$54.12

Peter Lausch

$54.12

Peter Lausch

$54.12

Kelly Deaves

Well done Peter, what a lovely way to honour your beautiful wife and to raise much needed funds, I hope you can reach your fundraising goal :)

$54.12

Sally Bradley

A lovely tribute to Helen, Peter. I am a work colleague of Katrina, Helen’s sister. All the best with this great venture!

$54.12

Maddie

$54.12

Kate Davison

Well done Pete ! Helen would be so proud of you . 👏 Miss her beautiful smile ❤️

$54.12

Kylie Trotter

$54.12

Jenny Chalwell

Take it easy and enjoy the ride Peter

$54.12

Agnieszka Duff

Wishing you all the best,

$54.12

Anonymous

$54.12

Roslyn Pascoe

Good luck Peter you are doing a amazing thing

$54.12

Helena Messent

What an amazing experience and love that the dog goes too! Thinking of all you especially georgia 🩷

$54.12

Craig & Claire Shepherd

Go for it Peter! From the Holcombe Shepherds!!

$50

Georgia Sharp

$50

Matt Whiteoak

$50

Jodi Carnes

Good luck Pete. I know Helen will be helping you through the difficult parts.

$50

Ben Dawson

$50

The Pywell Family

For Helen

$50

Jodie Plummer

All the best on your journey Peter.

$50

Jo Holland

For Helen

$50

Merri Nash

For Helen

$50

A & L Hood

Wishing you a safe paddle Pete. I’m sure Helen will be with you in spirit every paddle stroke down the Murray River. Andy & Lisa

$50

Greg Egan

I know this journey will be one of many contradicting emotions. I'm glad you will have good friends by your side. I wish you smooth paddling.

$50

Kerrie Omeara

How proud she is I am sure .

$43.60

Sally Cocks

So sorry for your loss Peter. Good luck with the paddle, what a wonderful thing you are doing. Sally (AKA Brooke)

$35

James Barnett

$33.15

Marg Malkin

So very sad to hear about Helen Pete.

$33.15

S Cooke

All the best

$33.15

Maggie & Col

Wonderful way to honour your darling wife, Peter. Take no risks and have fun.

$33.15

Tracy Edwards

Great cause - all the best!

$32.43

Sarah Geromichalos

Amazing Pete. We will be thinking of you and cheering you on from afar xx

$30

Brenna Waring

Best of luck Pete

$27.81

Joy Carden

What a legend good luck and hope you enjoy

$27.81

Graham And Marilyn Holcombe Ave Neighbours

Well done, your a true inspiration. Love from Holcombe ave

$27.81

Lori Kim

Sending you Love from Toll USA ! ❤️

$27.81

Michelle Yarwood

So sorry for your loss Pete. You have raised so much money that will help many people. Amazing effort.

$27.81

John Signorini

Wishing you all the best Peter. A great cause.

$27.81

Vic

Good on you Pete this is a massive undertaking in memory of your lovely wife. She will be with you every paddle stroke of your journey.

$27.81

Meg Moorhouse

Picked up your flyer at Bright and wish you all the best - Helen would be proud. I’m so sorry she has died. May this bring you meaning and some peace and purpose!

$27.81

Jenny Kerslake

You’re a wonderful man to be doing this, all the very best and I’m sure that your wife will be with you in those quiet moments while you’re paddling 😊

$27.81

Jonalyn Laxa

GOD BLESS YOUR JOURNEY🙏

$27.81

Thomas Baker

$27.81

Damian Iles

$27.81

Anonymous

$27.81

Sammy Dagher

$27.81

Anonymous

You can and will do it. Lots of hugs to you and Maggie

$27.51

Khalid Zoobi

$27.21

Johan Van Niekerk

$27.21

Jenny Newport

Best wishes Pete

$25

Anonymous

Amazing what you are doing

$25

Shiv And Jake

xx

$25

Jamie Bellam

$25

Anonymous

$25

Andrew Capuana

$25

Hayden Barnett

$22.58

Brian &julie Smith

So sorry to hear of your loss Peter. We all support you on this journey. Stay safe.

$22.58

Sarah

What an amazing thing to do in memory of your lovely wife. I lost my mum a long time ago to this awful disease. Too many wonderful people taken far too soon. Best of luck Peter, I'm sure Helen will be looking over you♡

$22.58

Abbie Hams

$22.58

Ryan Micallef

$22.58

Sarah Wagemans

$20

Lyn And Henry

For Helen

$20

Charlie Marulli

Well done Peter. All the best!

$20

Anonymous

For Helen

$20

Jane And David

For Helen

$20

Christina Lane

An incredible mission in honour of an incredible women x

$17.16

Toll

$17.16

Anonymous

$16.80

Karla Boots

$16

Wee Georgia Dixon

I love you Poobah. Love you Maggie Good luck have fun be careful 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

$15

Terry Boys

I lost my dad to Leukemia and his favourite place to be was on the Murray river so he’ll be with you on this journey amazing project

$15

Anonymous

Great cause. Good Luck!

$11.65

Natalie Allan

Sending love & luck from Scotland xxx

$11.65

Di O’neill

$11.65

Daniel Xerri

$11.65

Travis Cooke

$10

Hannah Witts

$10

Suzanne Sawyer

You are truly amazing Peter

$10

Antonio Yaacoub

$10

Robbie Barnard

Good luck

$5

Lou

For Helen

$5

Roy

For Helen

$4

Tony Richardson

Sorry, its been a slow month.