A Central Coast family has rallied their community to raise over $20,000 for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), while honouring the life of a much-loved husband and father, Mike Berton, who died from prostate cancer in 2021 at just 53 years old.
The 4x4 Prostate Cancer Awareness Fundraiser was held on Saturday, 20 September, during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month at the Watagans National Park (NSW), attracting supporters from across the region who came together for a day of four-wheel adventuring.
Mike's wife, Jen Berton, said that their family launched the event to shine a light on the risks of prostate cancer and ensure more men know the importance of early detection.
"Mike was fit, healthy, and in the prime of his life. None of us ever imagined that prostate cancer would take him so quickly," Ms Berton said.
In 2019, Mike's diagnosis came as a shock. "He had no symptoms. His cancer was detected late and had already advanced. Despite treatment, he passed away in 2021, just 22 months later
"One minute, my kids had a fit, healthy and fun-loving dad, and the next he was gone."
Ms Berton said that watching someone you love to go through prostate cancer was devastating.
"We felt helpless at times, but after Mike's passing, I knew we had to do something positive in his name," Ms Berton said.
"This fundraiser is our way of giving back, raising awareness, and making sure no other family has to go through the same pain without knowing the risks."
Across the Central Coast alone, more than 3,400 men are living with prostate cancer, and over 300 are newly diagnosed each year.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage said the family's fundraising efforts were both inspirational and lifesaving.
"Jen and her family have transformed their grief into life-changing results for other families impacted by this disease," Ms Savage said.
"They are not only raising vital funds, but they're also helping spark much-needed conversations about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.
Funds raised from the event will help PCFA drive forward new research and provide life-changing support to men and families affected by the disease.
Ms Burton said the 4x4 Prostate Cancer Awareness Fundraiser was a way to honour Mike's memory whilst raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
"If sharing Mike's story means one man gets tested earlier, or one family is spared the pain we went through, then it's all worth it."
You can still donate to the family's fundraiser by visiting: https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/4x42025/4x4-prostate-cancer-awareness-fundraiser-2025
