Mr Richard Penn, Chairman of The Penn Foundation, was invited by the Board to become Patron of the Bowel Cancer & Digestive Research Institute Australia in 2006.

Mr Penn’s father was diagnosed with bowel cancer 23 years ago.  The cancer was detected and treated early through surgery and his father continues to enjoy an active, healthy retirement.

As a result of his family’s experience, Mr Penn became an active supporter of the Institute’s work.

In 2007, The Penn Foundation helped launch our current fundraising appeal to establish Australia’s first Chair in Gastroenterology to spearhead bowel cancer and digestive health research, with a $1million funding commitment.

In recognition of the Penn family’s generosity, the position is to be named the Lawrence Penn Chair in Gastroenterology.

Lara Bingle
Sydney, NSW
One of Australia’s most successful models, Lara Bingle, is setting her sights on tackling Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, working closely with Bowel Cancer Australia, as an Ambassador.

Losing her father, Graham, at a relatively young age to bowel cancer, Lara has chosen to do what she can to raise awareness about early detection of what is a preventable and curable disease. 

Her father was diagnosed with advanced stage bowel cancer and the disease claimed his life at age 54, after a two year battle.

“I hope that by sharing my experience and letting people know what my dad went through, may help save lives.”

“Supporting Bowel Cancer Australia is a very personal way of honouring his memory.”

Click here for Lara’s story.

Click the image below to view the Love My Family campaign website.

Click here to view Lara’s interview with David Koch and Melissa Doyle on the Sunrise Program.

David Bennet QC
Melbourne, VIC

David is a Senior Fellow of the Melbourne University Law School and is a former Adjunct Professor in Law at University of Technology, NSW. In 1977 he was appointed a Queens’ Counsel. At the Bar, he had a wide practice in Victoria and interstate, specialising in major construction and infrastructure matters, defamation, commercial disputes and mediation.

He retired from the Bar and legal practice in 2001.

David’s former civic involvements include: Treasurer and Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria; Chairperson, State Trust Corporation of Victoria; Chairperson, Victorian State Classification of Publications Board and board member, Biennale of Sydney.

David’s book, ‘Cancer for Two: Conquering Cancer Together’ was published in September 2006. In the book, David, having an informed insight into both the hard edge of surgery and a protective lifestyle for his future, shares in a readable and entertaining style, what he learned.

Uniquely, his wife Ann writes her own commentaries on the events described in the chapters. Her moving reflections help us to understand the role of carers and cancer’s often overlooked effects upon them

Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie
Canberra, ACT

Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie first enlisted in the Australian Army as an apprentice in 1968. Since that time he has had numerous senior appointments, some of which have included; the inaugural Commanding Officer of the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, Staff Officer Operations to the Chief of the Defence Force, inaugural Commander of the Australian Theatre Joint Intelligence Centre (ASTJIC), and the inaugural Principal Staff Officer - Intelligence, Headquarters Australian Theatre.

Ken was promoted to Brigadier in January 1999. In this rank he was the Chief of Staff Training Command - Army, he commanded the United Nations Sector West multinational brigade in East Timor, and he was the National Commander of Australia's contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his command and leadership in East Timor in 2000/2001 and the Conspicuous Service Medal for his work in Namibia in 1989/90.

Ken was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as Vice Chief of the Defence Force in July 2005.

He assumed the appointment of Chief of Army on 4 July 2008.

John Irwin
Sydney, NSW

A successful businessman and Managing Director of Irwin & Sheehan Pty Ltd, John has been a long-time supporter of Bowel Cancer Australia.

He is the major sponsor of the Bowel Research Challenge™ Charity Golf Day and has had his fleet of company trucks decaled with the It’s Crunch Time™ campaign logo.

John’s family has been affected by bowel cancer.

Peter Mason AM
Sydney, NSW

Peter Mason is Chairman of AMP Limited and a Senior Advisor to UBS Investment Bank. He is a Director of David Jones Limited, the University of New South Wales Foundation, the UBS Australia Foundation, and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth.

Peter is Chairman of AMP Limited and a Senior Advisor to UBS Investment Bank.

Peter has had a successful career in investment banking spanning over 40 years and is a past Director of a number of public companies and educational and charitable institutions, including 12 years as deputy chairman of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and 13 years on the Council of the University of New South Wales.

Peter was appointed a member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the Children's Hospital.

David Miller
Perth, WA

As Managing Director of Multi Direct, David raises funds though its telemarketing and online gift shop Biggift for Bowel Cancer Australia.

David’s mother-in-law lost her battle to bowel cancer in the early 1980’s.

He is a lively character who is never embarrassed to talk about stools and is a firm believer in the bowel cancer testing kit.

David has sponsored numerous Bowel Cancer Australia events, including the Annual Dinner and Rugby match.

Max Walker
Melbourne, VIC

In the space of five decades Max Walker has travelled an amazing road from schoolboy sporting prodigy to having one of the most recognisable faces and voices in Australia.

Along the way he managed to play Test Cricket in a golden era, VFL/AFL football for the Melbourne Football Club, and take centre stage in the sports media arena and author 14 books.

Max is also a successful entrepreneur with directorships in a number of companies.

Max features in Bowel Cancer Australia’s It’s Crunch Time™ campaign, the first ever to be adopted by the Australian Government nationally to promote participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Alan Webb-Mole
Albury, NSW

A successful entrepreneur and businessman, Alan and his daughter Kristie-Lee have been champions for bowel cancer both personally and through the professional body to which he belongs through his accountancy business.

Alan lost his wife, Julie, to bowel cancer in 2007.