Legends unite

Peter Hudson AM, Professor Gail Risbridger and Ted Whitten Jnr

Report: Sophie Marcard
Photography: Katrina Ferguson

Legendary footballer Peter Hudson has brought together Ted Whitten Jnr and Monash University to help find a cure for prostate cancer, which is diagnosed in about 20,000 Australians each year.

The E.J. Whitten Foundation, of which Mr Whitten is CEO, has announced its largest ever donation, of $550,000, to fund a five-year clinical research program on prostate cancer at the University.

The unique program will connect trainee urologists – doctors specialising in the urinary and male reproductive system – with world-leading researchers to enhance shared knowledge of prostate cancer through innovative research programs.

As a member of the Monash University Medical Foundation Board, Mr Hudson has championed the University's prostate cancer research program.

“As prominent people in the AFL community were diagnosed with prostate cancer, Monash University’s work, and my involvement, became even more meaningful," Mr Hudson said.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that there is going to be a relationship between the University’s prostate cancer research program and the E.J. Whitten Foundation. I felt that both organisations had so much in common that the relationship really made sense."

Mr Whitten said the work at Monash fitted well with the Foundation’s vision and mission.

“The E.J. Whitten Foundation is delighted to have the opportunity to fund the first clinical prostate cancer research program of its type in Australia at Monash University,” Mr Whitten said.

“As a leading men’s health foundation dedicated to prostate cancer research and awareness, we hope that the five-year funding can uncover ground-breaking research that will advance the quest for better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.”

The E.J. Whitten Foundation was established in 1995 to commemorate the legacy of the late E.J. “Ted” Whitten OAM.  Also known as “Mr Football”, Ted Whitten was a legendary Australian rules footballer who died of prostate cancer in 1995.  The many honours given to Mr Whitten Snr include being named captain of the AFL team of the century and legend of the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame.  In 1995, the Western Oval was renamed Whitten Oval and a new bridge on the Western Ring Road was named the E.J. Whitten Bridge.

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash, Professor Christina Mitchell (PhD Med 1988), thanked the E.J. Whitten Foundation for their philanthropy.

“We are very grateful to the leadership of the E.J. Whitten Foundation for making our plans a reality.  The program will undoubtedly lead to breakthroughs in prostate cancer research, particularly research about advanced cancer,” Professor Mitchell said.

World-renowned prostate cancer researcher Professor Gail Risbridger (PhD Med 1981) and leading urologist Associate Professor Mark Frydenberg will lead the Monash program.

Professor Risbridger said better outcomes for men with prostate cancer can be achieved by combining the respective expertise of scientists and clinicians.

“This program will enable us to plan a sustained program of research based on collaboration between clinicians and prostate cancer researchers.  By working with clinicians, we ensure our basic scientific research is focused on issues that affect patients,” Professor Risbridger said. 

“For clinicians, a year spent doing research will give them insights into the latest research and drug discoveries, benefiting their patients and making them better doctors.”