Brisbane’s Te Waka Dragons boat club captain Anthony Skipper faces terminal cancer

A Brisbane boat club is rallying behind its co-founder and head coach, Anthony ‘Skip’ Skipper, as he vows to beat a heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis.

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With the country’s rowing community rallying behind him, Brisbane rowing coach Anthony Skipper plans to beat his terminal cancer diagnosis.

The Te Waka Dragons boat club captain, affectionately known as ‘Skip’, is determined to continue doing what he does best despite the harrowing health news.

Club president Jo Grammatico said Skip, 63, was admitted to hospital in early September when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

This was a big enough blow to Skip and his community, but since then it’s only gotten worse.

Anthony Skipper, better known as Skip. Picture – contributed.

“Further tests were done and now we’ve been told it has (the cancer) spread to various organs – liver, lungs and pancreas – and is allegedly terminal,” Ms Grammatico said.

“We are all extraordinarily heartbroken and feel deeply for his wife (Esther Skipper), mum, and surviving siblings who are all in New Zealand.”

With one surgery down, Skip still has six weeks of chemotherapy ahead of him before medical experts can give him a better idea of how long he may have left.

“It could make or break him,” Ms Grammatico said.

“We’re just waiting to see how the cancer responds to the chemo to see how bad it really is.”

Ms Grammatico, who has known Skip and his wife for more than 25 years, has started a GoFundMe page to support them.

“They have been huge contributors to the dragon boat community in Queensland, nationwide and even internationally,” she said.

“Skip’s patience, calmness, skills, novels, persistence and determination have transformed our club members into elite paddlers who have represented our club at numerous State and National Titles as well as three World Championship campaigns, succeeding as world champions.

“He’s optimistic and knows he will be fighting for his life and is prepared to do whatever is needed to continue seeing a daily sunrise.

“If positivity is what it takes to beat cancer, then anyone who knows Skip knows this is a fight he can win.”

Anthony Skipper coaching. Picture – contributed.

So far the campaign has raised more than $25,000 for the family.

Skip said the impact of his community’s generosity has overwhelmed him.

“It humbles me to think that so many people gave with so much love and in support for my current situation,” he said.

“My situation is unknown at this point … I’m willing to accept all treatment to conquer this cancer beast.

“Even if I can just contain it … it would mean a future extension of my life … I’m willing to endure any pain or procedure that will help me survive.”

Ms Grammatico said Skip was a fighter who was passionate about storytelling and dedicated to helping others.

Anthony Skip and Jo Grammatico coaching their club at Hong Kong in 2012. Picture – contributed.

“He has this inner strength that not many have,” she said.

“He keeps telling me ‘I’m not dead yet’ and ‘I’m going to fight this’.

“He’s very calm, gentle and so passionate. He’s very well-known across Australia and internationally for his work as a coach.”

The boat club community also took to Facebook to share their support for the beloved head coach.

“This news has really saddened me,” Mary Davis said.

“Such a great, gentle bloke who very willingly shared his knowledge with me.

“A battle ahead for you Skip, but I’m sure you will be drawing on the dragon boating community spirit to keep you in the moment and positive.”

“To one of the nicest blokes in the sport,” Wendy Smyth said.

“Sorry to hear about your battle Skip. Stay strong, we will fight this battle with you.”

“Skip we can’t lose you yet there’s more to be done and we need you at the helm,” a representative from Coomera Dragons Australia (another boating club) said.

“So we’ll see you at the start line when you’re back on your feet coach.”