RETIRED actor Samuel Johnson is champing at the bit to play nine holes of golf at Howlong.
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A caddie from age 11, Johnson is combining his love of the game with his mission to raise coin for cancer.
A Turn the Border Pink auction will give three people the chance to play nine holes with Johnson at Howlong Golf Resort on October 16.
“I’m happy to be embarrassed by the more capable Howlong locals,” Johnson said.
“However, I’m more than capable of a little bit of magic at times.”
Johnson is revered for riding a unicycle 15,000 kilometres around Australia in 2013-2014 in a bid to raise $1 million for cancer research after his sister Connie was diagnosed with terminal cancer aged 33.
Johnson retired from acting after playing Molly Meldrum in the miniseries Molly to focus on his Love Your Sister charitable foundation.
Love Your Sister raised $3 million for cancer research in five years with a target of $10 million.
“After the unicycle campaign I felt compelled to magnify my commitment,” Johnson said.
“My primary mission now is to raise coin for cancer because it’s made my sister so crook.”
Johnson will be the keynote speaker at the sold-out Girls Night Out at Howlong Golf Resort on October 15 and also at a brunch at the Court House Hotel on October 16. Both events were organised by Kristy McMahon and Vicki O’Gorman.
A cancer survivor herself, Ms McMahon persuaded Johnson to make his first visit to Howlong.
Kristy’s daughter with husband Matt, Ella, 9, is also in remission after 11 months of cancer treatment in 2016.
“I’ve unicycled through most towns in the country, so it’s about bloody time I got to Howlong,” Johnson said.
“I’m desperate to connect with our community warriors; I cannot fulfil my mission without Kristy McMahon in Howlong!
“I do consider it a privilege to come to Howlong; to be able to shine the light on the importance of family.
“It’s not about cancer – it’s about keeping families together for longer, still bickering and still laughing for all the days of their lives.
“So I’m coming to Howlong with bells on!”
Johnson will travel on four wheels this time after his ex-girlfriend upgraded her car and gave him her 10-year-old Honda.
“I’ve been getting around fine, but now I’m feeling a bit posh!” he said.
“She’s my ex, but she’s still my family. You do anything for the people you love.”
To enter the golf auction visit the Turn the Border Pink Facebook page and bid before 8pm on October 14. To bid over the phone or book tickets to the brunch phone Kristy on 0427 045 539.
