Sydney Woods will be stepping out during Men's Health Week to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), driven by his commitment to supporting men in the Baw Baw Shire who are impacted by prostate cancer.
The Drouin local has joined Walk for Him, PCFA's national walking challenge, which encourages Australians to walk 25km or any distance of their choice from June 15 to June 21 in support of men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
Mr Woods is taking the challenge a step further with a personal commitment to walk 80km in
June.
"Age 80, walking 80km, to raise $800 - it's a simple message, but I hope it gets people's attention and encourages men to have a PSA test to establish a baseline," he said.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, Mr Woods has since completed treatment and his PSA levels are now near zero.
Mr Woods, who is about to take on the leadership of the Baw Baw Prostate Cancer Support Group, said he wanted to take part to raise the group's profile and encourage more men in the region to get tested.
"I am involved with the Baw Baw Prostate Cancer Support Group, which has a low profile in the Baw Baw Shire. I have been trying to raise its profile in the community - distributing posters to medical centres and flyers to doctors and urologists so they can support their patients," said Mr Woods.
"Many doctors and urologists that service the shire work only one or two days a week or a month, and simply do not know the group exists. That means men who need support may not be getting it."
Nearly 29,000 Australian men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and nearly 4,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year.
Mr Woods is aiming to raise $800 for PCFA, with funds supporting prostate cancer research, awareness and support services across Australia. As well as walking, he will be speaking to male staff at West Gippsland Hospital about prostate cancer and the importance of PSA testing, and distributing flyers at local markets and classic car gatherings across the region.
His efforts have already inspired a group of local businessmen to enter their own team, showing the ripple effect one person can have in a community.
Locals are encouraged to get behind Sydney and join the Walk for Him movement to help save lives.
Participants can walk 25km, or a distance of their choice, during Men's Health Week in solidarity with men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage called on the Baw Baw community to get involved.
"Walk for Him is a powerful way for Australians to raise awareness and funds in the fight against prostate cancer," Ms Savage says.
"Prostate cancer takes a significant toll not just on men, but also on their partners, families and communities.
"Every step taken and every dollar raised helps fund life-saving research, specialist nursing, telenursing, counselling and support services for men and their families.
"With prostate cancer remaining Australia's most commonly diagnosed cancer, local action has never been more important."
To donate to Sydney, visit: https://www.walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/sydneywoods/walk-for-him-2026
To sign up, visit www.walkforhim.org.au or phone PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 for support.
