WANDILIGONG'S Peter Dixon plans to paddle 2500kms to raise $50,000 to support the Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre in memory of his loving wife Helen.
She passed away on March 9 this year after battling pancreatic cancer for more than 20 months, with the majority of her chemotherapy and radiation treatment performed at the Albury-Wodonga facility.
Married for 47 years, Peter said while life will never be the same without Helen, he wanted to do something in her honour, and help those who cared for her.
"I can't speak highly enough of the medical team there," he said.
"People were empathetic, understanding and professional, so we thought it would be a good place to raise money for."
From 1 September, Peter will kayak from the start of the Murray River, located at Bringenbrong Bridge near Corryong, all the way to the South Australian border.
This trek will be the second kayaking journey he has undertaken.
"Myself and our youngest daughter, Georgia, first kayaked down the Murray River 15 years ago, with Helen acting as the support driver," Peter said.
“I’ve always had a hankering to go kayaking again.
"That's how I got the idea to do it: I thought I'd turn this journey into a fundraiser for the Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.
"This time, an old Air Force mate of mine Geoff Barton said he'd be the support driver and instead of my daughter, I will be co-paddling with our pet poodle, Maggie.
"The previous journey started from Hume Weir and took about six weeks of rowing, so this trip will likely take 10 weeks or so."
Peter and Maggie will aim to paddle approximately 2500 kilometres and ultimately raise $250,000 dollars for the cause.
Several local businesses and residents have already contributed to the initial fundraising goal of $50,000, with less than $10,000 to go.
The Rotary Club of Mt Beauty and Bright Lions Club have both committed $1000 each to the cause.
"Everybody, the doctors, admin staff, nurses and orderlies at the cancer centre do an amazing job but they need your help," Peter said.
"All the money raised will go to new facilities, services and research."  
For more information and to make a tax-deductible donation, visit: https://give.awcancertrust.org.au/fundraisers/peterdixon.