Jaylea Williams will be stepping out during Men's Health Week this June to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), in memory of her father David, who passed away from prostate cancer in 2022, nine years after his diagnosis.
The Rozelle 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.
Ms Williams said she wanted to take part to honour her father's memory while shining a light on Australia's most commonly diagnosed cancer.
"I'm taking part in Walk for Him in memory of my dad, David, who passed away from prostate cancer in 2022. He was such a huge part of my life, and losing him has been the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. He fought for nine years, which is something I am so proud of," said Ms Williams.
"For me, this walk is a way to honour him, keep his memory alive, and raise awareness around prostate cancer and men's health. If sharing our story encourages even one man to get checked or one family to have an important conversation earlier, then that is all I could hope for.
"My message to men is: please get checked. Please don't put it off, and please don't wait until something feels seriously wrong. Early detection can change everything. And to families, I'd say: have the hard conversations, encourage the men you love to look after their health, and don't underestimate how important awareness is."
Nearly 29,000 Australian men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and nearly 4,000 men will die from the disease.
Ms Williams is walking alongside her two best friends, Alex and Alicia, who supported her family through her father's diagnosis and will carry his memory with her throughout the week. She has already surpassed her original fundraising goal of $1,200, with the support of friends, family, colleagues and her wider community.
Walk for Him is taking place during Men's Health Week, which runs from Monday, June 15 to Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Locals are encouraged to get behind Jaylea and join the Walk for Him movement to help save lives.
Participants can walk 25km, or a distance of their choice, during the week in solidarity with men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage called on the Sydney 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 Jaylea, visit www.walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/jayleawilliams/walk-for-him-2026.
To sign up, visit www.walkforhim.org.au or phone PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 for support.
