Thousands of Australians around the country are taking on The Long Run this September, committing to either run, walk or ride 72km to help raise awareness and funds for men affected by prostate cancer.
The event, led by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), encourages Australians to cover at least 72km throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month - a symbolic distance| honouring the 72 men diagnosed with the disease each day.
One of those participants is Mr Les Williams, who following a PSA blood test in April 2021 at age 71, was referred to a urologist for further investigation.
Three months on, the Tasmanian was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer and started hormone therapy.
Mr Williams said the day was a mix of emotions; just hours after his diagnosis, his twin great-grandchildren also arrived in the world, Theodore and Charley May.
"My diagnosis came as a shock," he said. "But it also gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I wanted to recover for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, so I could watch them grow, and to do what I could to raise awareness of prostate cancer so that other men can catch this disease early."
After undergoing 39 rounds of radiation, he marked his 50th wedding anniversary with his late wife, Lucy, just two days into treatment.
In January 2022, he completed his radiation, only to face heartbreaking loss when Lucy passed away weeks later from ovarian cancer.
"Managing recovery and grief at the same time was a very hard road to travel," he said.
Mr Williams, now 75, continues to focus on his health. He has regular six-monthly tests to monitor his PSA and testosterone levels.
A long-time volunteer, honoured as Tasmanian Volunteer of the Year in 2018 and awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2024, Mr Williams is determined to inspire men to be proactive about their health.
"I will be walking again to raise money for prostate cancer research and hopefully inspire others to donate to the cause and for men to get an annual PSA blood test," he added.
"If we can catch it early, we can stop major issues before they arise. Every step I take in The Long Run this September is for the thousands of men and families impacted each year."
More than 26,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. PCFA is on a mission to reach zero deaths from the disease by investing in research, awareness, and vital support services for men and their families.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage encouraged the community to get on board. "Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Tasmania and the country," Ms Savage said.
"While survival rates are drastically improving, around 96 men die from the disease in Tasmania, and around 4,000 men are still dying from the disease nationally each year.
"It's our goal to invest in lifesaving research and clinical trials that will help save their lives, and in addition, provide access to vital support services to help them navigate this devastating disease."
Ms Savage said that taking part in The Long Run was a practical way for everyday Tasmanians to help join the fight to save more lives.
"We're on a mission to defeat this disease, but we can't do it alone," she said.
"Every Australian has the power to play a part in this fight - whether you raise funds or raise awareness about the disease this September, it all makes a difference."
Those who sign up and raise $50 or more by September 1 will also receive a free event T-shirt.
Visit www.thelongrun.org.au today to get involved.
