03 September 2024

Victorian local Mark Jones will run more than 200km this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to spark more conversations about Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.

Mark is lacing up in support of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s (PCFA’s) The Long Run – the nation’s largest online event in support of more than 26,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.

Mark said getting involved in The Long Run was by far the easiest way to open up the discussion about prostate cancer with his mates.

“I spend most of weekends at the local football club and dropping a flyer at the club or posting on social media about The Long Run gives us blokes a great starting point to talk about prostate cancer,” Mark said.

“I have not personally been affected by prostate cancer, but someone close to me has, and passed away from the disease.

“Since then, the discussions I have had with other blokes about prostate cancer became more frequent, and I discovered many families didn’t really know much about it.

“Early detection is vital. I hope by running 200km this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I can turn those kilometres into conversations that save more men’s lives.”

Mark encouraged Australians to run, walk or ride this September by signing up via www.thelongrun.org.au, or to donate directly to PCFA by sponsoring a Long Runner.

“The funds raised through The Long Run make a significant difference in funding research into prostate cancer,” Mark said.

“I am blown away by the progression of treatments – we need to take care of ourselves and do all we can, so that every dollar raised go into research to keep us blokes alive for the Long Run.

“This is my fourth year participating, and I have found the best tip is to document your kms and be conscious of people donating their hard-earned dollars to support you and your message.”

PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, thanked Mark for his tireless efforts to raise funds and awareness for all men affected by prostate cancer.

“More than 70 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day, accounting for 16 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers in our country,” Ms Savage said.

“This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we are calling on all Australians to help us make prostate cancer history – by participating in, or donating to, The Long Run.

“We are so thankful to every Australian participating in The Long Run, like Mark, who are running, walking or riding to start crucial conversations, raise vital awareness and funds.

“Every dollar raised through The Long Run helps PCFA support all men affected by prostate cancer, and their families.”

Australians can donate directly to Mark’s efforts via https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/markjones10263/the-long-run-2024.

All support of PCFA’s The Long Run helps love go the distance against Australia’s leading cause of cancer.

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