25 August 2021
Brisbane local Ashley Ford is gearing up to run 72km per week throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (September), in a show of support for his dad who is battling advanced prostate cancer.
Ashley has taken on the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia challenge, The Long Run, which calls on communities to run, walk or wheel 72km to raise funds for men impacted by prostate cancer.
His dad, Ken, was diagnosed with prostate cancer eight years ago and after surgery and radiation, went into remission. However, their joy was short-lived. Eight years on, the cancer returned, and he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
“This time around it has been a massive battle for dad. The doctors are doing their best and he’s up to his seventh round of chemotherapy, and there is still more to do,” Ashley said.
“He is my best friend and it’s been so hard to watch. He hasn’t beaten the cancer yet, and there is still a long road ahead. It is not just dad that is going through this, the entire family is going through the ups and downs, especially mum.”
Like many, Ashley felt at a loss of how best to support his dad. But when he heard about The Long Run, he knew it was the perfect opportunity to play his part.
Determined to take his challenge to the next level, Ashley has committed to running 72km per week, a total of 288kms.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and showing my dad how much he means to me,” he said.
“I just want to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer so that all men get on the front foot and get checked early. More funds will also result in better treatments and the hope that many more men will be cured.
“By running 288km, I know that I will get very sore and probably want to give up. But I am sure dad has felt like this, and other prostate cancer patients have felt this way many times, to just want to give up – so I will fight and find a way to finish.
“I will keep going until I reach the end goal – and hopefully encourage other patients to keep fighting too.”
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men with around 17,000 new cases each year. Sadly, around 3000 men die from the disease each year.
The theme for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and The Long Run is ‘Together for the long run’, encouraging men and their loved ones to unite as a community to save lives.
“I encourage people to get involved – the more people who take part, the bigger the impact we can have.”
To support Ashley, visit www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/ashleyford.
New participants and teams can also register in one easy step via thelongrun.org.au.
PCFA CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO urged men and their loved ones to come together for the long run.
“Many families in the local community are facing prostate cancer right now and will need special care and support,” he said.
“This year’s campaign aims to show our solidarity and raise vital funds so that men in the local area have access to life-saving clinical trials and Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses.
“Without community involvement in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and campaigns such as The Long Run, we simply will not be able to meet the growing demand for PCFA services and programs.
“We would love to see the community come together for the long run in 2021, taking action throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
“I’d urge all families to join Ashley in running for the ones they love and help love go the distance.”
More than 3,000 people are expected to join The Long Run campaign this year in the hope of raising $1.6 million for prostate cancer research and specialist nurses.
If you or someone you know needs the care of a PCFA Specialist Nurse, please call 1800 22 00 99.
ENDS
PCFA media contact: Laura McKoy | M. 0435 094 788
