In seven months Karl Tretheway’s life has transformed from that of a family man, builder and talented amateur photographer to a harrowing battle with cancer.

“Last June I was diagnosed with melanoma, and by January, I was told: ‘There's not much we can do’,” says the 48-year-old father-of-five and grandfather-of-four.

It all began when the Tauranga man noticed a mole on his scalp in early-2023.

“The doctor initially told me it’s a ‘weird one’ and advised me to monitor it.

In May I went to my regular doctor and he said: ‘Yeah, that mole’s gotta come off’.”

Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, the cancer metastasised to Karl’s lungs.

His last hope lies in a dual immunotherapy treatment called Ipilimumab (Yervoy®) and the Encorafenib and Binimetinib Combination Therapy.

However, it’s not funded in New Zealand.

“There’s a chance this could save his life, but it comes with a $100,000 price tag,” says long-time friend Annemarie Clinton.

Karl Tretheway is a talented amateur photographer. Photo: Brydie Thompson.

Fix-it man can’t fix this

Determined to support Karl, Annemarie and a group of his photography buddies are organising a fundraising event.

“It’s hard to describe how it feels to have them put so much work into it. It’s quite emotional,” says Karl.

“I’m the sole breadwinner, so I’m still trying to work, but it’s hard.

"I’m lucky to have such wonderful friends.”

Annemarie says: “Karl’s story isn’t unique”.

“Melanoma is prevalent in the Bay of Plenty so we wanted to raise money for Karl’s treatment as well as raising awareness of skin cancer.”

She describes Karl as a “good, solid citizen” who is their go-to fix-it man.

“He can’t fix this, though – so that’s why we wanted to try to help.

"He’s an amazing person who is always doing something for someone else.”

Karl is a member of the Photographic Society of New Zealand.

His work has been displayed on The Strand as part of the Trustpower Photographic Exhibition when in 2018, he took first prize in the Nature & Landscapes category.

“There are six of us who travel and Karl is our planner,” says Annemarie.

“He works out the technical stuff like where the sunrise is going to be best and is always finding us waterfalls in weird and wonderful places.

"He has amazing photographs to show for it.”

Karl Tretheway and his family. Photo: supplied.

The fundraiser

The Black and White Melanoma Fundraiser at Bay Oval’s Players Lounge on March 16 from 7pm-10pm features live and silent auctions including a framed shirt from cricketer Kane Williamson, art, raffles and spot prizes. Every dollar raised will go directly towards Karl’s medical treatment.

Annemarie says tickets cost $100 and eventgoers are encouraged to wear black and white.

“We’ve had so much community support on this,” says Annemarie.

“Karl is so generous with his time and has given so much to those around him, so we’re happy to be doing this for him.”

To buy tickets, https://events.humanitix.com/b-and-w-melanoma-fundraiser

Or to donate directly to Karl’s medical care costs at:  https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/keeping-up-with-karl