Hi, my name is Paul Redding, and I’m a proud dad of three beautiful children under six (Elliot 5.5yo, Scarlette 3.5yo & Summer 8mo). They are my world, and everything I do is for them.

Last week, my world turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 3 kidney cancer — a 7cm tumour taking up almost two-thirds of my right kidney. It’s spreading fast, and my doctors have scheduled an urgent radical nephrectomy (kidney removal) on November 15th at St George Private Hospital.

The surgery costs $19,000, and the recovery period will take around three months, during which I won’t be able to work effectively or meet my family’s financial needs. Being the sole income earner, this means not only covering the cost of the operation but also around $20,000 in living expenses just to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table, and bills paid while I recover.

Back in April this year, while taking my kids and their grandparents to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, I suddenly lost vision, became paralysed, and was rushed to Concord Hospital. I was diagnosed with a hemiplegic migraine, and my blood pressure had skyrocketed to 180/115. It was one of the scariest moments of my life not knowing what was happening, surrounded by my children — but it reminded me how precious every moment really is.

I’ve also battled skin cancer in the past, and while it’s been a rough couple of years, I’ve always tried to stay positive, disciplined, and grateful for every lesson life has to offer. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I’ve built my life around health, resilience, and helping others as a personal trainer at Fitness Cartel Albion Park Rail.

But this time, I need help to keep my family afloat and make it through this next chapter.

Your generosity will go directly toward:

Surgery and hospital costs ($19,000)

Living expenses for my family during recovery ($20,000)

Giving us stability while I heal and get back to work

I’m deeply grateful to my family, my Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu brothers & sisters, my Fitness Cartel community, and my Anglican Church family at All Saints Albion Park for rallying behind me. Their love, faith, and compassion have reminded me that community is what carries us through the hardest seasons of life.

With Christmas approaching, this time of year reminds me even more of what truly matters family, faith, and the kindness of others. I’m hopeful that with the support of this incredible community, my family and I can get through this and look toward a healthier, brighter new year together.

If you can help through a donation or simply by sharing this message it would mean the world to me and my family. Your kindness gives me the strength and hope to fight this cancer head-on and return to being the best father, partner, and coach I can be.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Paul Redding

Father | Trainer | Fighter