“We call him the Glioblastoma Bomber. As terrible as it is, I just feel lucky our paths have crossed because he is a genuinely great man.”
That’s how former Essendon VFL player Ben Archard describes Peter Humphreys, a loyal and passionate Bombers supporter who’s only recently entered his life albeit under tragic circumstances.
On August 12th, Peter received the news that no one wants to hear – diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that is currently incurable.
With Ben at the helm as Site Manager of Icon Cancer Centre in Noosa, the shared interest of the Dons has helped establish a bond for the two as treatments have continued over the past few months.
In spite of obvious tragedy and the difficult circumstances that have followed for Peter and his family, wife Jen Horsford included, the loyal Don has shown incredible perspective and perseverance during his fight.
Always a positive presence in the centre, Peter is all-in on raising awareness and making the most out of the time he has left.
“I know there is more significant fight to come,” Peter said.
“I plan on giving my all to ensure the best possible outcome for me, as well as raising awareness for all other people, those with cancer diagnoses and other debilitating health-related diagnoses, to the best of my ability.”
SUPPORT PETER'S WALK4BRAINCANCER EFFORT HERE
Having seen the highs and lows of the Dons over nearly 50 years as a fan and remaining unwavering in his support, it’s that same resilience that Peter is applying in his day-to-day now.
The importance of footy clubs in helping people through adversity certainly isn’t lost on the longtime Dons member.
“As we all know, the club has had to face numerous battles over the past 20 years and the resilience that we’ve all shown is one of the things that makes me proud to be an EFC member,” Peter said.
“It’s about EFC supporting its members, as much as it is about members supporting their club.”
Those early memories of the Club from his formative years will always hold a special place for Peter, who’s kept that same sense of anticipation and excitement for every game since.
Already connected to his signed Dyson Heppell guernsey at the centre, other cherished pieces of memorabilia have also stood the test of time.
“In 1977, some family friends took my dad, my brother Scott and I to Waverley Park for the Essendon v Richmond game in round seven. For almost the past 50 years, my brother and I have been avid supporters of the team that we both chose that day,” Peter said.
“From memory, another mum from our junior football team worked with Paul Salmon’s mum and somehow acquired a set of match-worn VFL badged socks, which were given to me and have been my pride and joy since the mid-80s.
“I have worn and still wear these socks to every football game that I attend, be it a local match or any AFL game, despite the holes that now adorn them. Ben has even given me a pair of his VFL training socks!
“Some of my favourite players since my introduction to the EFC have been Garry Foulds (I still have a small autograph on plain paper that I have had since the early 80s), Tim Watson, Leon Baker, Kevin Walsh and Scott Lucas.
“With that said, everyone has an all-time favourite and it has to be Dustin Fletcher for me."
As challenging as the emotions have been in the Icon Centre for Ben watching Peter’s battle unfold, he can’t help but feel inspired by his outlook on life.
Following on from his time within Essendon’s VFL program, Ben's remained committed to supporting people in need away from the game.
“Peter’s story is such an emotional one. He and his family have had their world turned upside down so quickly, and it really shows that the aggressiveness of this disease doesn’t discriminate,” Ben said.
“He’s made it his mission to make sure no one else has to go through what he’s going through, and that kind of drive is pretty remarkable.
“As soon as Peter mentioned he was an Essendon supporter on one of the very first days he walked into Icon Cancer Centre Noosa, it was very easy to build a close connection throughout his treatment journey, given my connection at the club and Peter’s diehard following.
“I’ve been with Icon now for 11 years - my whole professional life - I’ve held numerous roles in delivering better outcomes for our patients, I’m really aligned with Icon’s values about bringing world class cancer care closer to home.
“Being a country boy from country Victoria, I know firsthand how hard it is for people in the community to access first class healthcare without the travel. Icon has put cancer centres in places that allow for world class cancer care in regional settings you didn’t think was possible.”
Peter shares the sentiment, citing his relationship with Archard and the wider team as critical in getting him through the days that just don’t seem to get any easier.
In addition, it’s the unconditional support of wife Jen and his wider family which have fuelled him through his life’s biggest challenge.
“The whole team at ICON Noosa have felt like an extended family and the community that they have created brings peace of mind and comfort to me each day I attend the Centre.
“My family are my world. As I think would be in all families, the relationships strengthen in times of need. To date in my life, there has been no greater need to strengthen these relationships than after the cancer diagnosis that I recently received.
“My wife Jen has been my everything – my rock, my carer, my ‘nurse’, my angel.”
For Jen, as awful as the experience has been, it’s served as another reminder of the traits that best define her husband.
“The initial diagnosis felt like we were in a car that had been hit by a freight train. I wake up every morning hoping that our nightmare is over and that our beautiful life and dreams are all still ahead of us,” Jen said.
“Peter's allegiance to the EFC is ridiculous. I always point to that one game where Jamie Elliott kicked a goal after the full-time siren. Peter got up from the lounge and walked across to the beach and I didn't see him for a full 45 minutes! I didn't understand that, but fortunately his son did and consoled him on his return.
“Peter is an intelligent, loving, gentle, hilarious, active and incredible person and he has been robbed of his dreams and his future by this cruel diagnosis. It is so heartbreaking.”
Continuing to push to raise awareness and funds to support those cruelled by Glioblastoma and brain cancer more broadly, both Peter and Jen will be walking for Walk4BrainCancer in Brisbane and Melbourne.
The Melbourne leg of the walk will take place on Sunday, November 23 from Albert Park Lake.
“It has been extremely important for me to try to raise the awareness of Glioblastoma,” Peter said.
“This brain cancer is currently a terminal diagnosis with no cure – it is a medical black hole. It is important to me to build awareness because with awareness comes funding and with funding comes a possible cure for others in the future.”
Show support for Peter and learn more about his Walk4BrainCancer effort here.
