Port Hedland local Pete Bartho is gearing up for his fifth consecutive Longest Day, raising crucial funds for cancer support.
Pete has participated in The Longest Day for the past five years. Each year, his team has grown, starting with just two members in the first year and reaching ten participants last year. For Pete, The Longest Day is much more than just a sporting challenge.
"My mum has had breast cancer twice and survived, my daughter has battled melanoma twice, and my best mate just got diagnosed with throat cancer," he shares. "I love golf, and when I heard about this event, it was a no-brainer for me to play."
This year's event holds personal significance not just for Pete but also for two of his team members, whose partners are currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Taking place at Port Hedland Golf Club, Pete and his team will begin at 5am, aiming to complete the challenge by 6pm. He notes that the biggest challenge is the Port Hedland heat, where summer temperatures often exceed 40 degrees.
"It's a physically draining day, but we all encourage each other to keep going", he shares.
Over the years, Pete and his team have steadily increased their fundraising goal, starting with $3,500 in their first year and reaching an impressive $14,500 last year. This year's target is set at $15,000.
Pete shares, "any difference we can make to just one person is enough, but hopefully, we can help lots."
He adds, "We aim to raise more each year, and while I'm alive, I will continue," Pete said.
Four people putting in a golf sand bunker
About the Longest Day
The Longest Day is a golf challenge that raises crucial funds for cancer research and support. The challenge is to successfully complete 36, 54 or 72 holes in a single day, to help West Australians impacted by cancer.
Registrations for The Longest Day 2024 are now open. The official day is on Monday 9 December, but you can take part any day in December or January.
