Fundraiser started for former Christ Church Geelong priest Russell Trickey

A fundraiser for a beloved former veteran priest at one of Geelong’s oldest church has received a flurry of support.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Russell Trickey in light of his cancer diagnosis. Picture: Alan Barber

A former Geelong priest who delivered mass at Victoria’s oldest Anglican Church for more than a decade has been “humbled” by an outpouring of support for his health battle.

In March, Father Russell Trickey was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, which quickly spread to his pelvis and spine.

Mr Trickey, a Geelong native, left Christ Church Geelong at the end of 2021 after nearly 11 years of service.

He said parish members had been “very supportive” since learning of his illness.

“I’ve had Father Lankiri call me and tell me that they are praying for me even though I’m not the priest there anymore.”

Mr Trickey said he was in good spirits despite the situation.

“With this treatment, I’m actually feeling quite good — better than what I had in a long time,” he said.

Fr Trickey blesses a dog for The Blessing of the Pets ceremony at Christ Church Geelong in 2013. Picture: Richard Serong

“I’m normally in a room with six to eight other people and we sit and chat so the time goes pretty quick.”

A GoFundMe page has since been set up by his daughter Malini Trickey to help pay for the extensive medical treatment, which she says will exceed $40,000.

Donations will be used to cover the cost of weekly IV infusions, oxygen therapy, and necessary prescriptions — of which there are 33 for Mr Trickey to take daily.

So far, the fundraiser has received $20,000 out of a target of $30,000.

In a statement, Ms Trickey said her dad needed help from the very people and communities he had dedicated his life to.

Fr Trickey and Col Hastings celebrate 500,000 charity meals delivered at Christ Church Geelong in 2013. Picture: Ryan Reg

“He has touched so many lives with his generosity, humour and helping hands – and now, out of dire necessity, I am asking you to help him,” she said.

“He has never acted out of a desire for personal financial gain but always in the interests of others.”

Mr Trickey said his line of work meant he has had a level of spiritual connection with countless people over the years.

“Doing ministry is a fairly therapeutic type of job … and there are a lot of people that are grateful for that and I’m grateful of course for them.”

“The result of that is lots of people have put in to support this GoFundMe page which is very humbling.”

Originally published as Fundraiser started for former Christ Church Geelong priest Russell Trickey