John Fuller ‘steps up to breast cancer’ in 58km challenge

FOR John Fuller, love did not end the day he farewelled his beautiful wife.  

It simply found a new way to walk beside him.

The 72-year-old Port Stephens local lost his beloved Beth to secondary breast cancer in September 2024, just six weeks after her diagnosis.

It was her second encounter with the disease, having first faced breast cancer in 2005.

John and Beth had built a life rich in travel, volunteering and deep companionship.

They were partners in every sense,  always side by side, always looking ahead to the next adventure.

So, when they learned the cancer had returned, they made a choice that reflected exactly who Beth was.

They decided to go on a caravan trip to Hervey Bay in Queensland that had long been planned.

“We hoped, yet we knew it would be our last trip together in our beloved caravan,” John said softly.

“Beth loved seeing new places and meeting people.

“She always said if there was a problem, we would overcome it.”

That journey became a quiet celebration of a life shared; coastal stops, conversations, and the comfort of simply being together.

In her final weeks, John became Beth’s full-time carer.

The last days were spent in hospital, where he rarely left her side.

“The last two weeks were very hard, watching the love of my life decline,” he said.

“But Beth never complained. She would apologise for needing help, for lifting her, dressing her, making her tea or ice water.

“I just held her hand, reassured her and told her how much I loved her.

“We could still talk, hold each other and say our goodbyes. I cherish that time.”

In the face of loss and grief, John chose to transform his love into action.

Having been elected President of the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay in July 2024, he asked the board if their 2025 International Women’s Day Dinner could raise funds for breast cancer research and support.

The community responded with open hearts, with 150 attending.

By the end of the evening, $10,000 had been raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, along with $4,000 for the Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group and $1,700 for the McGrath Foundation.

By Jacie WHITFIELD