08 January 2025

4200km trek across America to raise awareness of prostate cancer

Brittany Bourne from Sydney is no stranger to taking on a challenge which is why when she learnt about the burden of prostate cancer across Australia, she decided to do something about it.

The 29-year-old recently returned from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail – a 4200 kilometre stretch from Campo at the Mexican / US border, up through California, Oregon and Washington to finish at Manning Park in British Columbia in Canada.

Brittany used the opportunity to help raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) to ensure that more men could access the support they needed after a diagnosis.

Brittany works as a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and said her passion for the cause started when she started to receive referrals for men requiring pelvic floor physiotherapy after a prostatectomy.

“It was treating male patients that made me realise how much of a gap in knowledge there is and lack of access to pelvic health physiotherapy for men,” she said.

“I also watched someone close to me lose a loved one to prostate cancer so it further ignited my passion to provide pre-and post-prostate cancer treatment care through my work.

“As I couldn’t treat patients while I was away, I decided to turn the trek into an opportunity to support an organisation that provides much needed support and care for men diagnosed.”

Brittany said the trip was a life-changing experience and despite battling a knee injury, coming face-to-face with a variety of wildlife, and navigating long stretches with no communication to friends and family, knowing her efforts were making a difference spurred her on.

“Having support from PCFA and well as having patients, family and friends support this fundraiser meant so much to me. It definitely gave me the extra push when the going got tough,” she said.

“I felt the adventure really combined two passions of mine simultaneously – hiking and giving back.

“I believe the act of giving is far better than receiving and if you're able to challenge yourself, whilst supporting and raising funds for an organisation you believe in, I think it really gives you your 'why' in those hard moments.

“It can also provide those who want to follow along a way to feel connected and support you while you do so.”

PCFA CEO Anne Savage said Brittany was an inspiration to all Australians. 

“We are tremendously grateful to have inspirational people like Brittany raising funds to help fund research, specialist nurses and awareness activities that benefit men and families impacted by prostate cancer,” Ms Savage said.

“Every 20 minutes one of our fathers or sons will hear the news that he has prostate cancer – that’s more than 26,000 men diagnosed every year in Australia.

“We are proud to work with champions in the community who go above and beyond to ensure these men are supported.”

To support Brittany, visit fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/brittanybourne

For more information about PCFA and for support, phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Telenurse or visit www.prostate.org.au.