STAFF WRITERS
LOCAL survivor and prostate cancer advocate, Linton Blackwell is once again taking on The Long Run this month, committing to walk an astounding 400 kilometres to raise awareness and money 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.
Mr Blackwell takes the challenge up a notch each year, and has raised more than $25,000 over the last five years, covering a total distance of 2757km for the cause.
Mr Blackwell, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011, also leads the Baw Baw (Warragul) Prostate Cancer Support Group, alongside his wife Pam.
He planned to walk from his home in Moe to the Support Group meeting in Warragul (32km) as part of his Long Run challenge. “Taking part in The Long Run means I get to join a national campaign that’s all about ensuring more lives are saved,” he said.
“Every dollar raised through this campaign helps men like me access support, and funds research into new treatments and testing options.
“A lot of people think prostate cancer is only an old man’s disease which is just not the case. In our extended family alone, we’ve had seven family members diagnosed with prostate cancer, including three of my own brothers. “I encourage all men, particularly those with a family history, to talk about this disease and get a PSA test.
“The earlier this disease is detected, the easier it is to beat.”
To support Linton, visit: www.thelongrun.org.au and search ‘Linton’ in the search.
For more information about prostate cancer and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit: www.prostate.org.au
