)
- Stories/
- Personal Stories/
- Harold's Story: The Pink Man of Kilcoy
Harold’s Story: The Pink Man of Kilcoy
In the small Queensland town of Kilcoy, everyone knows Harold.
They know the pink Akubra. They know the pink clothes, the pink walking frame, the pink gumboots, the pink lawn bowls. They know his laugh. They know he'll stop for a chat. And even if Harold doesn’t know their name, they know exactly who Harold is.
The Pink Man of Kilcoy.
For more than 25 years, Harold who is now 85, has worn pink every day. He jokes that the only thing that isn’t pink are his teeth.
What began as a way to honour his wife after she died from breast cancer in 2004 has become part of his identity – and part of Kilcoy's too.
After losing his wife, Harold found himself struggling with grief. Then someone encouraged him to take part in a charity event. He bought a set of lawn bowls and a pink outfit and decided to use it as a way to get people talking about breast cancer.
25 years later, he's still going.
Cancer has touched almost every part of Harold's life. His father died from prostate cancer. His daughter has faced colon, lung and liver cancer. In December 2025, Harold received a lung cancer diagnosis of his own.
But if there's one thing Harold refuses to do, it's give up.
"When I'm out doing things and raising money, I'm fine," he says.
Keeping active, staying connected and helping others has carried him through some of life's toughest moments.
“When I'm out doing things and raising money, I'm fine”
- Harold
Alongside fundraising, Harold found another outlet – writing.
He began writing poems for friends after they passed away, using words to process grief and loss.
"It was the only way I could cope," he says.
Soon he was turning everyday conversations into rhymes and writing short stories inspired by his life.
"To me, care is about someone who will be there no matter what."
It's a lesson he's learned from family, friends, his partner Kim and the Kilcoy community that has stood beside him through the years.
"My mates are always hanging around wanting to know how I'm going," he says.
His answer to that care has been simple: give it back.
"Anything I can do to help, I will do."
Today, Harold is one of the ambassadors for Pink Up Kilcoy, helping raise funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation.
And while the years have passed, one thing hasn't changed.
"I'll be wearing pink for as long as I can."
This September and October, join Harold in supporting the McGrath Foundation’s Care For All Takes a Nation campaign. Whether it’s hosting a fundraiser, taking on a challenge, making a donation or rallying your community, every act of care helps fund McGrath Cancer Care Nurses so more people experiencing cancer and their families can receive vital support.
Inspired by the McGrath Foundation and a simple lesson about giving, 11-year-old Owen turned an idea into a fundraising tradition at his local cricket club. By selling pink lolly bags at Pakenham Cricket Club's Pink Ladies Day, Owen has raised almost $4,000 over three years to help fund McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, demonstrating how small acts of community fundraising can make a meaningful difference.
Kerry Patford is the Chief Nurse at the McGrath Foundation, where she supports, mentors, and collaborates with Nurse Clinical Leads across all Australian states and territories alongside the cohort of McGrath Cancer Care Nurses spread across Australia.
)
Matt’s life changed in an instant. At 34, he was working in civil construction and raising a young family with his partner Kyra, life was busy but normal. Then one day, something didn’t feel right.
As a mum of three, Meg was used to being on the go, balancing family life with her work in disability support services. Then a strange tightness in her leg began to bother her.
)
Dan was always on the move. A devoted husband, father of two teenage girls and lifelong sports lover, he lived a busy, active life in Melbourne. So, when a routine run left him unusually short of breath, he knew something wasn’t right.
Kirby is used to caring for others. A registered nurse from Maitland, a mum to two young children, and someone who loves the outdoors, 37-year-old Kirby had built her life around caring for others and making the most of family time. Days were filled with work, camping trips, cricket, and the joyful chaos of raising her kids, Norah and Vance.
When a routine blood test revealed multiple myeloma, Helen’s life changed unexpectedly. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse and her family, she approached treatment with optimism and continues to live life fully.
When Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer at 44, life moved quickly from uncertainty to treatment. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, she navigated the experience with practicality, strength and a renewed clarity about what mattered most.
Vicky became a regular donor after learning McGrath Cancer Care Nurses now support people going through all types of cancer. Having been through cancer three times, she knows first-hand the difference their care makes.
