Sir Peter Leitch is a humble man – a man who’s always believed the greatest gift he can give is his time. So when the hard-working entrepreneur, number one Warriors supporter and Mad Butcher founder was asked to help promote prostate cancer awareness five years ago, he didn’t need much convincing.
“A man asked why I wasn’t doing anything for prostate cancer. I didn’t know much about it so gave him my time. He told me about it and by then, I was convinced I should help.
I became an ambassador and patron of the Prostate Cancer Foundation,” says Sir Peter from his seaside Auckland home.
He’s never been diagnosed with prostate cancer (a common misconception), but Sir Peter is a bladder cancer survivor and had invasive treatment four years ago. Now in remission, Sir Peter (70) is encouraging Kiwi men to be vigilant about testing – for all types of cancer. “Men die because they don’t get tested. My brother Gary died at my age from bowel cancer – he never went to the doctor,” he says.
Sir Peter Leitch with granddaughter Kristin.
Two years into his retirement, Sir Peter is leading a healthier lifestyle and devoting time to charities and his family. The proud “Pop” to Kristin (23), Vincent (14), Reuben (11) and Matthew (8), relishes time with his grandchildren, his wife of 49 years, Janice, and daughters Angela and Julie. “Usually my grandkids play computer games and don’t want to know me,” laughs Sir Peter. “It’s not like the old days when I took them to the park. But I’m there for them when they need me. And I never tell them not to use technology, as I don’t want to be a grumpy grandfather!”
When it comes to following their passions, Sir Peter is right behind them. Kristin recently qualified as a graphic designer, is a keen Warriors fan and often accompanies Sir Peter to glitzy events – regular occurrences in his jam-packed diary.
“I’ve taken a more proactive interest in maintaining a strong relationship with Pop since he got cancer,” she says.
Sir Peter backing his favourite team, the Warriors.
Vincent plays soccer. “He will play for New Zealand one day. Some people ask if I want my grandsons to play league, but I couldn’t give a rat’s!”
Sir Peter says Matthew has a “cheeky personality” and Reuben is a “miniature version” of him, often accompanying him to record Mad Butcher radio advertisements. Sir Peter is the brand’s ambassador – his remaining role within his former empire, which he sold in 2008.
Reuben, who sees his Pop at least twice a week, has great affection for his grandfather.
“Pop is the type of person who will do whatever he can to help. He’ll often ask my mum if he can help by picking me up from school – he’s very thoughtful.”
Philanthropist Sir Peter is an ambassador for Allergy New Zealand, an organisation close to his heart because Reuben suffers severe food allergies. He’s also an ambassador for Diabetes New Zealand because, yes, he has that condition too.
“When I got diabetes, I thought it wasn’t a big deal, but it is! I thought allergies weren’t a big deal, but they are. When I heard about prostate cancer, I thought it’s important to campaign for it. It’s about saving men’s lives!”
Sir Peter loves spending time with his family on Waiheke.
Sir Peter’s own bladder cancer diagnosis came after he “felt unusual down below” and was referred to an urologist. “No-one knows your body better than you, so if you’re not feeling right, go to your doctor,” he urges.
“If I hadn’t seen my doctor, I wouldn’t be alive today. There’s no shame in asking for help or talking to someone. When I got bladder cancer, a good friend of mine, broadcaster Murray Deaker, asked his friend who had bladder cancer to ring me. I found that comforting. It’s emotional at times,” he confides.
Sir Peter is grateful for the support Janice, herself a breast cancer survivor, gives him. “She’s my rock. Getting cancer made me a better person and I appreciate life more. All I hope for is to keep on living, as I love life. And I hope my children and grandkids have healthy and full lives too.”
