About six weeks ago, John "Cherry" Baldwin underwent surgery after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Family friend Lara Harrison said Mr Baldwin made the decision to get checked for the cancer after learning about a family member's diagnosis.
“He is 49, but he decided to get and get tested and that's when he found out,” Ms Harrison said.
After suffering complications from surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, Mr Baldwin continues to remain in a serious condition with future operations to come.
A long-standing employee at Tatura Milk, Ms Harrison said her dear friend was a beloved member of the local community.
“He's the bread winner of the family and is going to be off work for a very long time,” she said.
“The family would do anything for anyone down and out, so we knew we needed to help them.”
Ms Harrison, along with several other members of the Stanhope, Rushworth and Kyabram communities, are currently organising a family fun day to help take future financial pressure off Mr Baldwin, his wife Pauline and two daughters, Chloe, 15, and Samantha, 12.
“Everyone loves them and we want to help look after all of them,” she said.
“We've got a lot of people helping out and we've had so many donations so far, which has been amazing.”
Ms Harrison said the Baldwin Family Day Fundraiser was still looking for more donations, such as raffle items, goods and services and food to make the day a special one.
“There will be a spinning wheel, silent auction, face painting, colouring competition and a barbecue,” she said.
“We're hoping to get as many people along on the day to just have some fun and raise money for our friends.”
● The Baldwin Family Day Fundraiser is on Sunday, December 1, from noon to 5pm at the Rushworth Recreation Reserve, Coyle St.
● To donate items in Rushworth, phone Sharon Perry on 0438 561 795 or in Kyabram, phone Chris Spencer on 0439 396 535.
Items can also be dropped off at the Stanhope Business Centre.
● Anyone wishing to donate money can use the account LJ Harrison - Baldwin Family Fundraiser, BSB Number: 633 000 Account Number: 169 661 550.
● For any more information, phone Lara Harrison on 0427 365 260.
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