Craig Mapleston will be stepping out during Men's Health Week from Monday, June 15 to Sunday, June 21, 2026, to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), following his own prostate cancer diagnosis last year.
The Malvern local has joined Walk for Him, PCFA's national walking challenge, which encourages Australians to walk 25km or any distance of their choice in support of men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
Mr Mapleston said he wanted to take part to help others access the kind of support he received while shining a light on Australia's most commonly diagnosed cancer.
"I am taking part in Walk for Him this Men's Health Week because, as a prostate cancer survivor, I would like to help others have access to the kind of support that I had - through a truly turbulent time," Mr Mapleston says.
"I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, quite by accident. A trip to the GP about something totally unrelated led me to a blood test which identified elevated PSA levels, which led to a range of tests, which led to a cancer diagnosis.
"I had no symptoms, felt healthier than I had in decades, and had a far better work-life balance than perhaps I'd had at any other time in my entire working life.
"Diagnostic tools are misunderstood to be intrusive and uncomfortable, even though the reality is that a simple blood test is the first step. So, while prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia, it might be one of the least discussed or understood. I hope I can make a difference to that.
"The PCFA has the noble ambition of zero deaths due to prostate cancer in Australia. I'd like to add an ambition of zero Australian men taking on this battle alone, and I hope my efforts can add to that in a small way.
"Let's amp up the noise this Men's Health Week around prostate cancer to encourage men to get tested regularly, and let's be generous with our time and money to make sure more men are supported in their battles."
Nearly 29,000 Australian men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and nearly 4,000 men will die from the disease.
Mr Mapleston is hoping to raise $3,975 for PCFA, equivalent to the number of men who currently die each year in Australia from prostate cancer, with funds supporting prostate cancer research, awareness and support services across Australia.
Mr Mapleston will be supported by his family and friends throughout Walk for Him, including his 11-year-old daughter, who has appointed herself as his social media manager.
Locals are encouraged to get behind Craig 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 Malvern 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.
"This disease 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 Craig, visit https://www.walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/craigmapleston/walk-for-him-2026.
To sign up, visit www.walkforhim.org.au or phone PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 for support.
