Peter Bodman has two passions in life: his charity and his old car.  

Now, after dedicating more than 25 years to Kids with Cancer Foundation Australia (KwCF), Peter is stepping back from his role as Executive Director, hopefully giving him more time to spend on the Old Princes Highway in his other main passion – his 1969 MGB MKII.

Peter was born in Randwick, coincidentally not far from Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, just one of the many children’s medical facilities to which his charity gives so much. 

He started his working life as a fitter and turner before landing an apprenticeship at Garden Island Dockyard. There, he loved to work on ships like the old aircraft carriers HMAS Sydney and Melbourne. He stayed at Garden Island for 20 years until 1983. 

Following this, he spent time selling Art Union raffle tickets to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis and other charities, before returning to his roots in Sydney and starting the Kids with Cancer Foundation Australia.  

“My father and mother had died from cancer, my sister had since died from cancer, so a need was seen to have the charity for the youngest children. That’s how KwCF came about,” Peter says. 

Within 12 months, Peter approached Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with a $150,000 donation each.  

Kids with Cancer Foundation has since grown in its staff and provided more than $30 million to support Sydney Children's Hospitals Network – from helping fund oncology fellows, nurses, research associates, psychologists, pharmacists, and social workers to funding cutting-edge research.  

Thank you, Peter, for your contribution to paediatric healthcare over the last 25 years. You have truly built a legacy that is helping change the future for sick kids. We wish you all the best for your retirement.