Tony Hitchin’s journalistic career spanned more than 45 years. As editor of Home Beautiful and, ultimately, editor of all Herald & Weekly Times magazines, Tony entertained his millions of readers with tales of his everyday life. His later messages had even more significance.Tony Hitchin was diagnosed with a urological malignancy in 1988 after a routine medical examination. Sadly, he passed away in 2001. During this period, he took every opportunity to raise awareness of men’s health and the need for men to put aside their fear of going to the doctor and have regular check ups.

The Tony Hitchin Foundation was set up in Tony’s memory to harness the resources of the Wine & Food Industry — two of Tony’s great passions — to promote education and research into Men’s Health. The concept of the Foundation was first raised at a wake for Tony, with the concept evolving over time. Foundation 49 is the entity chosen to communicate his vision.