HOPPERS Crossing resident Michael Bloxham has had his fair share of hard knocks.
For the past 10 years the community-minded 62-year-old has lived with prostate cancer, only to be dealt a further blow last year, with the news he had lung cancer.
“You just have to get on with it,” Mr Bloxham said. And he’s doing just that.
This Thursday the avid sports fan will take part in the Ballarat to Sunbury leg of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay in Hoppers Crossing.
“I feel honoured to be a part of it,” he said.
Mr Bloxham originally wanted to apply as a volunteer at the Commonwealth Games, along with daughter Andrea, but poor health held him back so he nominated himself for the relay.
A pillar of the Wyndham community for the past 38 years, Mr Bloxham has lent his time to about 16 organisations including the Hoppers Crossing Ratepayers Association and St Peters Junior Basketball Club. He was also a Councillor for nine years and served one year as President of the Shire of Werribee.
Friend of 30 years and fellow baton participant, Ken McDonald said Mr Bloxham was “very deserving” of the honour.
“He’s a straight shooter who will always tell you his opinion,” Mr McDonald said.
“If I ever needed help for anything, he’s the person I’d go to.”
Mr Bloxham, now thankfully in remission from both cancers, said he wasn’t “100 per cent fit” but would be able to walk the 450 metres without too much trouble.
