Pancreatic cancer survivor Ian Mundell to travel rural Australia in his 1974 HQ Holden to raise awareness

Having survived pancreatic cancer in 2020, Ian is going above and beyond to raise awareness of the disease in regional and rural Australia.

After his own battle and recovery from pancreatic cancer, Ian and wife Judi are now passionate advocates and have spent much of the last year and a half helping others affected by the disease.

Ian is taking his mission further, and has recently restored his 1974 HQ Holden, in order to travel around rural and remote areas of Australia to spread his message.

Being Orchid in colour, Mr Mundell thought it would be suitable to restore his Holden as a promotional vehicle for PanKind, particularly to get awareness into rural areas, where distance makes it difficult to visit.

"I was stunned to learn that the five-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer in rural Australia is just six per cent," he said.

"Our intention is to take the car to rural gatherings such as country shows, sporting events such as campdrafts, rodeos, race meetings, and where people are away from their workplace.

"I believe people will be interested in the car. Many of these people are keen to support charities, so I also believe it will create an opportunity for people to donate much-needed funds for research into early detection.

"The dedicated and kind people involved in this Foundation encourage Judi and I to do all we can to help the cause".

Commencing work on his Holden a year ago, Ian stripped it down to fully rebuild, with many Rockhampton and Brisbane companies donating their time and parts to his cause.

"Basically it was rubbed down to the bare metal, chassis rails removed, all mounting rubbers replaced, all steering and suspension wear parts replaced," he said.

"I was fortunate enough to find all genuine and ACL Australian made engine components in old stock at Hillman Motors Rockhampton. The Trimatic Transmission rebuilt was donated and upholstery resorted by Peter at Swains, Rockhampton, windscreen replaced by Novus Glass at Rockhampton.

"Signage was also donated by Centre State Signs and full dyno tune by Brad at his business Prodyno Rockhampton. We purchased many parts from Rare Spares, Brisbane and thank them for discount they allowed.

"Ronny Moore donated his time and passed her for roadworthy, with flying colours, while PPQ supplied the PanKind number plate at a discount rate in September.

The car has been repainted in its original colour Orchid, with the Glacier white roof resembling the same numbers as it left Acacia Ridge (Brisbane GMH Factory) in July 1974.

In his efforts of raising awareness, Ian donated $20,000 worth of stick raking to raise money for PanKind at Beef Australia in 2021.

As the month of November marks Pancreatic Awareness Month, PanKind CEO Michelle Stewart paid tribute to Ian's unwavering support for Pankind and his commitment to raising awareness in the bush.

"Ian has always been into cars and the first time I was talking to him on the phone, I remember he had seen the colour of our logo and he said I've got a car that colour in my garage, I might restore it for PanKind," Ms Stewart said.

"Ian has been spreading the word in the country and we went to Beef Australia this year, and so many people came up to us to talk about pancreatic cancer.

"We know that early detection in pancreatic cancer makes a huge difference. People's survival outcomes are much better, mainly because they might be able to have surgery or existing treatments will work better."

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