Moreton Bay family hits the pavement to save men's lives

Moreton Bay locals Dan and Casey (last name withheld) are lacing up their shoes and hitting the Redcliffe peninsula boardwalk in a quest to make prostate cancer history this September.

The husband-and-wife team are taking part in The Long Run, which calls on Australians to run, walk or wheel 72km to support Australian men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.

Held during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, it is an easy way people can help raise much-needed funds into cancer research.

Dan says he and his family were inspired to take action in raising funds and awareness for those impacted by the disease following the passing of his grandfather, Poppa G.

“I know that by taking part, I can raise important awareness of prostate cancer and encourage more men to know their risk and get tested,” Dan says.

Dan, who has recently run two half marathons and the Bridge to Brisbane event, is looking forward to the 72km challenge.

“I love running at sunrise and sunset along the waterfront, often running the full stretch from Clontarf to Scarborough,” he explains.

“We are getting our three young daughters - aged 7, 5, and 9 months - involved by walking them to and from school – every step counts and helps to raise awareness and much-needed funds towards research.

Casey says she’s not as athletic but is ready for the challenge.

She is urging others in the community to join or support The Long Run this month.

“Up until now, most of my exercise involves running after our three girls,” Casey says.

“The warmer weather and peninsula’s boardwalk and local beaches will help motivate me to rack up those kilometres this month.

“In saying that, locals need no encouragement to wander, cycle or run along our beautiful seaside region for a great cause.

“It really is the perfect place to get out and about in support of those impacted by prostate cancer and for your own physical and mental health.”

Locals can get behind their efforts by donating at https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/ardenfast

Above: Dan and Casey, along with their kids, are taking part in The Long Run. 

More men being diagnosed

According to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage, prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the country’s leading cause of cancer, with 66 men diagnosed every day, and 10 men dying.

“The number of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is increasing more rapidly than any other type of cancer, and the impact it takes on men’s lives is significant,” Anne says.

“Men with prostate cancer face a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide death, and 72 per cent of men do not get support for their mental health concerns.”

More than 240,000 Australian men have now been diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime – a figure set to increase by 43 per cent by 2040.

One in five men are diagnosed by the age of 85.

“We’ve come a long way – increasing survival rates to 95 per cent, but we will not stop until we defeat prostate cancer,” Anne says.

Over the past 10 years, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia have funded $40m in prostate cancer research, placed 100 Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses, and provided one million info kits to the community.

Hit the pavement

This year, The Prostate Cancer Foundation is hoping participants will complete a combined 384,400km this month – to cover the distance to the moon.

“Our aim is to raise over $1.7 million for research and support, by calling on Australians to help us cover the distance to the moon,” Anne says.

“We’re asking those who want to join our moon shot in The Long Run to run, walk, wheel or roller skate 72km during September, in solidarity with patients and survivors.”

Locals can also register in one easy step via www.thelongrun.org.au

For information and support, call the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia on 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.pcfa.org.au