Pancreatic cancer survivor raising money for PanKind at Beef Australia

In his efforts of raising awareness, managing director of Ironfarmers,Ian Mundell, will be raffling $20,000 worth of stick raking to raise money for PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

Unknowingly to most Australians, pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Australia.

Related: Pancreatic cancer ordeal a wake up call for Ian Mundell

Many people with pancreatic cancer, including three of Ian's cousins, are diagnosed when the cancer has already spread and therefore treatment is not effective.

Ian's cancer was diagnosed "early" and he was able to have surgery to remove the tumour at Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane.

Mr Mundell said he was one of the lucky few to tell his story.

"I've been one of the lucky few that get through this and I'd would like to give something back," Mr Mundell said.

"Early diagnosis is the only chance you've got and I'm hoping to raise awareness and much needed funds for Pancreatic Cancer foundation.

"There is not a lot of information out there and rural people are usually too busy and will tend to ignore it.

"You really need to be aware and I was just one of the lucky ones that got symptoms and I did something about it."

Driven to give something back, Mr Mundell's company Ironfarmers, is donating $20,000 worth of work (aprox 100 hours) of land improvement (stick raking) with one of their Catepillar 824 Wheel Dozers.

Tickets will be $100.00, with all funds going supporting Pankind in progressing pancreatic cancer research.

Mr Mundel said the work can vary from 10 acres an hour or two hours depending on the country and anyone in Queensland can buy a purchase a ticket.

"We'll travel anywhere in Queensland and we will take the machine to the job at no cost," he said.

"The winner of the ticket will need to supply the fuel to do the job or either the fuel costs will be taken from the $20,000, but there won't be any freight charges to get the machine there that will be as part of the ticket."

PanKind CEO Michelle Stewart, will be attending Beef to assist with awareness enquiries.

Ms Stewart paid tribute to Mr Mundel's unwavering support for Pankind and his commitment in raising awareness of pancreatic cancer.

"Our mission at Pankind is to improve survival for people affected by pancreatic cancer, and improve quality of life for those who are affected," Ms Stewart said.

"When we receive funds, we're going to invest it an Early Detection Program, because there is no better way of improving survival than to make sure that when people pick up on signs and symptoms, they can potentially have surgery.

"Ian knows that he was "lucky" and is committed to raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer to help others affected by the disease to receive a better outcome," Ms Stewart said.

"This is a special opportunity to bring much-needed attention to pancreatic cancer at a national event and spark conversation about the disease."

To buy raffle tickets at Beef Australia, Ironfarmers and PanKind are at WP6 (Walter Pearce Pavilion).

The Beef Expo will be held Rockhampton from 2 to 8 May 2021.

If you can not make it to the Beef Show you can call 0404 475 059 to purchase tickets.

Tickets go on sale 14 April 2021 and will be drawn 8 May 2021.