After months of planning, Wandiligong's Peter Dixon and his pet poodle Maggie, have 'set sail' on their 2500km kayaking trek down the Murray River to raise funds for the Albury/Wodonga Cancer Centre in memory of Peter's wife Helen, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in March this year.
Last weekend's wet weather delayed the duo's launch by a day, due to the rain's effect on water levels and the river's current.
"Our plans have only been set back a day," Peter said on Monday, noting the Murray River at their starting point of Bringenbrong Bridge near Corryong was dropping, allowing their safe departure Tuesday morning. 
They will spend the next 10 weeks paddling an estimated 2500kms all the way to Goolwa in South Australia - with the assistance of support driver, Geoff Barton to accompany them on their trip.
Final preparations last week saw Maggie get her final haircut and Peter picked up the kayak he ordered especially for this paddle.
'Pensioner Pete's Power Paddle for Cancer' has amazingly raised almost $80,000 so far.
"We’re doing very well with the fundraiser," Peter said.
"I’ve had a couple of last-minute responses from a few businesses and organisations and we can still see donations coming in.
"Thank you all for your donations raising money for the Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre...your support has been overwhelming."
Peter and Maggie aim to ultimately raise $250,000 dollars for the cause.
Along the journey, Peter will keep supporters all appraised of their progress on Facebook.
For more information and to make a tax-deductible donation, visit: https://give.awcancertrust.org.au/fundraisers/peterdixon.