10 September 2024
This September will be the fifth year that Team Stewart has laced up for The Long Run – a family effort to run, walk or ride and raise funds for Australian men affected by prostate cancer.
The Long Run is Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s (PCFA’s) flagship fundraising campaign which takes place throughout September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Team Stewart, a family team of Long Runners, was started in 2020 by Sue and her daughter Nicky, in support of Sue’s husband Ralph, a prostate cancer survivor, and Nicky’s father-in-law who passed away from advanced prostate cancer.
“Our team lacing up for The Long Run this year is Ralph, five years after his surgery and doing well, myself, our daughters Nicky and Heidi, and our friend Shannon – who says it’s the most rewarding thing he’s done in a long time,” Sue said.
“For those running or walking the distance this year, my tip is to plan your kilometres in advance. I chose 200km, split it down to smaller amounts, and plan to walk every day – it will be highly motivating to help me achieve my goal.
“Along with participating in the event, talk to the men in your life this September about prostate cancer and discuss it with your doctor – this is an important part of raising awareness.
“Get to know your family history. Your risk of prostate cancer is higher if your father, brother or other male family members have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“We are participating to raise more awareness of the disease, and to encourage Australians to raise funds for PCFA. Every donation makes a massive difference to families affected.”
Australians can donate directly to Team Stewart’s efforts via https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/teamstewart.
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, thanked Team Stewart for their years of participation in The Long Run, helping raise vital funds and awareness about the disease nationally.
“More than 26,000 men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Australia,” Ms Savage said.
“We are tremendously grateful for those participating in The Long Run, like Team Stewart, who are stepping out to help us support all men affected by prostate cancer, and their families.
“This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we are calling on all Australians to advocate, donate, and discuss the disease.
“Our ultimate goal through this campaign is to help make prostate cancer history.”
1 in 5 men will develop anxiety or depression due to a prostate cancer diagnosis. The 72km Long Run target represents the 72% of men who will not seek help for these mental health issues.
Thousands are expected to take part in The Long Run, Australia’s largest online event in support of families facing the disease. Visit www.thelongrun.org.au today.
For more information and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.prostate.org.au.
ENDS
Media contacts for further information or interviews:
PCFA – 1800 22 00 99
Katie Clift – katie@maybe.agency |M +351 913 976 202
