08 July 2020
PCFA Dry July Champion Mark Middleton
MEDIA RELEASE
Icon Group CEO Mark Middleton has signed up for this year’s National Dry July fundraising campaign, urging others to join him in a non-alcoholic toast to Australia’s future health and happiness.
The successful radiation therapist and business leader will be getting on the wagon in support of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
“Over 2000 Aussies have given up alcohol and raised almost $750,000 for PCFA since 2018, providing vital funding for Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses,” Middleton said.
“As leader of Australia’s largest cancer care provider, I know all too well the impact that prostate cancer has on men's health in Australia and internationally, and I’m proud to play a part in raising awareness and funds for the cause.
“The Icon business model is built on the premise that people and community come first – giving back is core to our promise.”
Middleton founded Radiation Oncology Queensland, now part of Icon Group, and is recognised globally for his advocacy through the UICC to ensure cancer care services are available in regional areas as well as the city, a cause connected to his Dry July mission.
“Men in regional and rural areas of Australia face a 24 per cent higher risk of death from prostate cancer than their mates in the city – a tragic fact we need to change,” he said.
Under Middleton’s leadership, Icon has grown from 12 to 30 cancer centres Australia-wide, with 50 per cent of its network servicing outer-metro and regional areas.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, said Middleton’s efforts were inspiring.
“Over the course of nearly two decades I’ve seen Mark expand his work to care for more and more Australians affected by cancer,” Dunn said.
“His deep personal commitment and leadership passion are iconic in every way, contributing to local and global efforts to reduce the global cancer burden.
“The mark of his character is the fact that he has never forgotten where he came from, or how our loved ones feel when they are confronted by cancer.
“Every 25 minutes, one of our fathers, brothers, and sons will hear the news he has prostate cancer. Mark’s commitment this Dry July will help to ensure they don’t walk the journey alone.”
Organisers are hoping more people will get involved, with a new option to go Dry(ish) for 14 or 21 days.
“Going dry for all 31 days is the only option for me,” Middleton said.
To support PCFA’s campaign, go to www.dryjuly.com/pcfa.
ENDS
PCFA: Anne Savage 0417 709 869 or Anne.Savage@pcfa.org.au
