WHY I DRY JULY: Dr Kevin Pringle “So far, all of my family who have died have died of cancer”

"It’s not a pretty story – but it’s one that motivates me to make a difference."

At 78 years old, Dr Kevin Pringle knows cancer all too well. The retired paediatric surgeon and medical researcher from Whitianga has lost six family members to the disease – including both parents, three brothers, and his beloved wife Carol, who died of leukaemia in 2022 after 54 years of marriage.

This year marks Kevin’s third Dry July, and for him, it’s personal.

“So far, all of my family who have died have died of cancer,” Kevin shares.

His story spans decades of loss – from his eldest brother Peter, who died of colon cancer at just 45, to his youngest brother Allan, who passed away in 2008 from a lung carcinoma. His parents, George and Valerie, died of prostate and colon cancer respectively, while another brother, Dennis, died in 2020 from a non-small-cell carcinoma. His wife's mother also passed from pancreatic cancer.

But Kevin’s reason for going dry each July goes beyond grief – it’s about hope, prevention, and helping others access the kind of cancer support services that ease the emotional toll of treatment.

“I’m hoping to support others on similar journeys,” Kevin says.

 “There’s more to getting through cancer than medical treatment – people need dignity, support, and care.”

Dry July raises funds for vital cancer support services that exist beyond the hospital ward, such as Look Good Feel Better, Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ, and PINC & STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation. These programmes offer emotional support, rehabilitation, and wellbeing initiatives that make a genuine difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Veronica Shale, Campaign Director for Dry July NZ, says Kevin’s motivation speaks to the heart of the campaign:

“Kevin reminds us why we Dry July – for those we’ve lost, for those we love, and for the thousands of Kiwis diagnosed every year. It’s about raising funds for wraparound care that softens the toll of cancer, while also doing something positive for your own health.”

Despite not being a heavy drinker, Kevin says he enjoys the challenge of going alcohol-free each year.

“It’s actually fine staying off the booze for a month – maybe I should do it longer,” he laughs. “The evidence is there. Reduction is good for you.”

Last year, Kevin raised over $2,000 for Dry July. This year, he’s doing it all again – in memory of his wife, in honour of his family, and in support of every Kiwi on a cancer journey.

To support Kevin's Dry July, donate here.