Pete and Sam need your help...

My name is Bec, but this story is not mine... This story is about a guy named Pete, his wife Sam, their four kids and some terribly sad news.

For those who don't know Pete, he is an avid ultra-marathoner and is well known within the WA running community. He has a history of helping others, raising money for Motor Neurone Disease, Batten Disease, Parkinson's Disease and blood donations. He has a knack of inspiring those around him, being a key member of a running group called Rogue Runners and an event called Pipeline 4 Parkinsons (P4P), all built with the desire to raise money for charity. His efforts weren't only seen in his volunteer work; but also in his paid employment working for a not-for-profit organisation, also saw him support the most vulnerable.

P4P is when I first came to really get to know Pete and Sam well. I was one of those inspired people and spent nine days with them running along the Pipeline from Kalgoorlie to Perth. In the process, we raised $15,000 for Parkinsons. I quickly discovered that Pete's a funny and carefree guy. One of the genuine nice blokes who enjoys a beer or two - who up until recently, the only problem he had was a tendency to overshare on Facebook!

About six weeks ago, Pete and Sam's world was rocked. They received news they were not expecting. At only 50 years of age, Pete was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. The cancer was 4cm in diameter, sitting on his pancreas. The early diagnosis has meant they are thankful to have positive treatment options available with the goal of curing it; however, the proximity of the cancer to other vital organs and veins means surgery is not an option at the moment. So instead, the only option is to undergo intensive chemotherapy. Pete began his first round ten days ago.

This intensity of the chemotherapy has taken its toll on Pete and Sam. Pete is in incredible pain and is chronically fatigued, resulting in around-the-clock care by Sam. Pete has five more rounds of chemotherapy. At the end of this cycle, the doctors hope to discover the tumor reduced, making surgery an option. Pete will then undergo complex surgery, after which he will again face another six rounds of gruelling chemotherapy.

Life is really tough right now for Sam and Pete. Pete is unable to work and because he had not long started a new job, had few paid entitlements. Sam has taken leave from her job as a nurse, but they are finding it tough financially. Like many of us, they had financial plans that relied on them both working. Now they find themselves both not working, a situation that is not likely to improve in the next six months.

I approached Sam and Pete and asked to create this account on their behalf. Being proud people they initially declined. Finally, I managed to convince them to agree, assuring them that this isn't charity, it's just a vehicle to allow their friends to help. I told them that if this was me in this situation, then I'd hope someone would do this for us.

I know that I have grappled over what to do to help. I can't do much from where I am; this is a private journey for Pete and Sam. I have some comfort that I can now donate to support them - this is how I can help. I encourage you all to do the same and donate what you can.