ONE of the pioneers of prostate cancer support group in Bathurst, Dr Tom Leckie, has been farewelled by members of the Bathurst District Prostate Cancer Support Group and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
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President of the Bathurst District Prostate Cancer Support Group, John Trollor said many men and women have cause to give thanks for the quiet, gentlemanly, caring way Dr Leckie (pictured) gave them information, advice and support.
Dr Leckie, who died in Bathurst Base Hospital last month, became the inaugural chairman of the Bathurst District Prostate Cancer Support Group (BDPCSG) in November 2000 after a chance meeting with Bob Slade, who for months had been drumming up interest in forming a support group.
“This was at a time when there was little support for men with prostate cancer, and few groups,” Mr Trollor said.
“Tom’s motivation was that he felt let down by the negative talk about PSA testing. In his words he “decided to inform and alert others about prostate cancer”.
Dr Leckie was chairman of BDPCSG from 2000 to 2006, then on the executive until he again served as chairman in 2010. He finally retired from all executive positions in February 2011, as did Bob Slade, another pioneer in the movement.
“During that time Tom devoted himself to organising meetings and giving talks throughout the Central West,” Mr Trollor said.
“In 2002 he was the guest speaker at a public meeting in Orange attended by 158 people. Following this meeting a support group was formed.
“He was a foundation member of an inland association of support groups.
“Public forums were held in Bathurst, with prominent guest speakers helping Tom to achieve his goal of informing and alerting others to this most common cancer in men.”
In his chairman’s report of 2007, Dr Leckie said he was certain the support group had a vital and expanding role in helping the individual, as well as the whole community, cope with and eventually defeat the ravages of prostate cancer.
“Tom has certainly done his bit,” Mr Trollor said. “He was one of the first to do so. A pioneer. A fine example of one being concerned and helpful to others, of caring for our community and being prepared to work hard to improve our world.”
Mr Trollor and chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, David Sandoe have extended their condolences to Dr Leckie’s family.