Justin M, Dry July

“I’ve been fundraising every year in honour of my Dad, Darren, who had bowel cancer. He beat it the first time, unfortunately it returned and ultimately claimed his life. He fought bravely and without complaint for a long time. He was the rock of our family, and we love and miss him immensely.

Dad was always my greatest supporter, always there for advice and every week made us all the best roast chicken and pork Sunday roast.

When I made a huge career change in my mid 20’s he was there to support my cooking adventures, helping with events and buying equipment for my pop-ups. He passed two months before I opened my first restaurant and also missed out on meeting our two beautiful girls.

Without Dad’s support and guidance throughout my life I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Also, big shoutout to my Mum, his life partner and loving wife Kathy who dropped everything to support him (and us!) throughout it all.

My beautiful wife, Steph actually put forward the idea that we get married so that Dad could be there for the special day. A big rush to get it all together, but I’m so grateful to her and our families that got everything sorted so he could be there.

As it comes to the 9th anniversary of Dad’s passing as a result of bowel cancer, and time brings me closer to annual screenings from 40 (as recommended by his oncologists and my GP because of the family history), I am reminded by the important work that Bowel Cancer Australia do for the Australian community.

More and more we are hearing of loved ones diagnosed with various cancers, so the fundraising has never been more important, and this is a great way to give back to those who helped us.

I had my own cancer scare in late 2023 with a skin cancer that required facial surgery. I haven’t really talked about it publicly before as I probably didn’t want to raise any attention on myself in that way. The process from initially raising it with my GP, the seemingly long wait for the biopsy results to the surgery and the existential questions that inevitably popup even as day to day life keeps you steady. If anything, it has focused my resolve to give back to a foundation that is important to me.

It’s my mission to help Bowel Cancer Australia reduce the numbers of bowel cancer cases and help the people affected in our lives by raising money a few times each year through various fundraisers – an important one for me is Dry July. It not only allows me some time away from alcohol, but it’s also a trusted recognised event that people feel comfortable donating to.

So this year, as every year, I’ll be raising a glass of non-alcoholic beer in memory of my Dad. Get yourself checked folks, you’re never too young.” ~ Justin

If you were inspired by Justin’s fundraising activities and would like to support Bowel Cancer Australia through Dry July further details are available here.