ONE of the region’s brewing success stories needs a new caretaker with owner Toney Fitzgerald now in for the fight of his life.
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In the late 2000s he stumbled across a story in a library of a long-since-shut-down brewery that once operated in Bathurst and Orange, Walkers Brewing.
It ignited a passion in him to bring the beer back to life and again supply it to local pubs and hotels.
But four times now Mr Fitzgerald has been struck down with cancer, and each time it delayed the relaunch of Walkers Brewing Co.
He originally hoped to launch the beer in 2012, but following sickness it was delayed, and delayed again before finally launching in August last year.
But now, he says, the “day has come” for him to sell the brand he fought so hard to bring back to life.
He initially took to the Walkers Brewing Facebook page to announce the news.
“Due to ill health and my battle with cancer for the 4th time, I have decided to seek expression of interest for the sale of the Walkers brand,” he posted.
In speaking with the Western Advocate, Mr Fitzgerald said the cancer that originally started in his tonsils has now spread to his head, neck, tongue, chest and lymph nodes.
I’m a pretty resilient man … but it’s been a struggle.
- Toney Fitzgerald
While he has already undergone surgeries and countless rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, doctors say there is no more they can do.
“I’m a pretty resilient man … but mind you, it’s been a struggle,” he said.
“My neck feels like I’ve got a boa constrictor wrapped around it 24 hours a day. I can’t eat solid foods, I’m on fluids and it restricts my breathing.”
He has also lost 31 kilograms during his illness.
As he speaks, you can hear Mr Fitzgerald is short of breath, but, despite this, he remains passionate about the potential of Walkers Brewing.
“I’ve taken Walkers to where it needs to be. I’ve got a great brand. I’ve got a good brewer,” he said.
“I’d really love someone in Bathurst or Orange to buy it because this is where it belongs. It was one of the biggest brands in NSW, in its heyday it was bigger than Resch's and Tooheys.”
Mr Fitzgerald has invited anyone interested to visit www.walkersbrewing.com.au or phone 0438 450 643.
- A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise funds for Mr Fitzgerald’s medical expenses.