MYRTLEFORD cancer survivor Alan Blair will hike 72km throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, raising funds for the 72 Aussie men diagnosed with the disease every day.
When he’s not hitting the trails, from the Dandenong Ranges to the Murray and the Alpine National Park, Alan will be raising his glass in an effort to raise further funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
He will personally host two local fundraising events: one at the Bright Brewery on Saturday, September 21 and the other at Hop Hen Brewing in Lilydale on Saturday, September 28.
Alan was diagnosed in June 2024 with stage three, locally advanced prostate cancer at the age of 53.
“I had no symptoms other than highly elevated iron levels; a symptom of inflammation I'm told," he said.
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"I knew practically nothing about prostate cancer before my diagnosis.
“I didn't know it was a matter of a simple blood test, but I've always tried to be proactive about looking after my health.
"When you think 'prostate check', you automatically think 'rectal exam', but it's a blood test.
"The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reading is either so low that you can wait a few years before being tested again, or it's high and you've caught it earlier than usual.
"It's very easy to detect and it makes a huge difference if you can catch it early.
“I will be outdoors hiking 72km to raise funds for PCFA, in-between hosting my two beer-based Long Run fundraising events.
“Both events have been planned to allow people to show up, raise a glass, enjoy themselves and have the chance to win some prizes and merch.
“Bright Brewery has kindly donated a 'karma keg' and Hop Hen will be donating $1 from every schooner sold on the day."
Alan is encouraging everyone to talk to their doctor about their personal risk of prostate cancer and get a PSA blood test.
Prostate cancer is Australia’s most common cancer, with more than 26,000 men newly diagnosed with the disease every year.
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, thanked Alan for his incredible efforts to raise funds and awareness for all men affected by prostate cancer.
“One in in five Australian men are at risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer by the time they turn 85 years old,” Ms Savage said.
“Alan is not only in it for The Long Run to raise funds and support other men like him who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he’s raising vital awareness and encouraging crucial conversations about the disease.
“Early detection can be lifesaving.
"Thank you Alan, for sharing your story and for your tremendous support raisings funds for PCFA this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
“All Australians can play a part this month in helping make prostate cancer history by participating in, or donating to, The Long Run.
“Every dollar raised helps PCFA support all men affected by prostate cancer and their families.”
The Long Run is Australia’s largest online event in support of more than 26,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.
Participants can either run, walk, hike or bike 72 kilometres to support the cause.
For more information or to sign up, visit: www.thelongrun.org.au
To find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.prostate.org.au
Australians can donate directly to Alan’s Long Run efforts via https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/alanblair/the-long-run-2024
