LONG MAY HE WALK… Warren Edwards, member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group and the Action Club, is aiming to walk 300km this month to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
Parkes resident Warren Edwards is aiming to walk at least 300km during the month of September to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
He is one of almost 3,500 people in Australia to take part in the first ever event of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia called The Long Run. “It is a personal quest for me,” said Warren, who is a member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group and the Action Club.
“My father has prostate cancer, as well as two uncles and two very close friends I’ve worked with for many years. I want to make a real difference for all those fathers, brothers, sons, husbands and mates so they will be there for the long run. Not only will your support provide more valued research, it will also provide additional dedicated prostate care nurses particularly in regional areas.”
In support of Warren’s effort, friends and members of the Action Club and Support Group have decided to join him every Saturday for a 5km walk. The first combined walk attracted about eight people last Saturday.
“We meet at the Wholesome Blend and will do a different route around town every week,” said Warren, adding that anyone is welcome to join, adhering to COVID safe regulations.
“I have been really pleased with the support I’ve received so far.” Warren originally thought it would be great to raise $500, but by Monday he had already reached $2,100. His new aim is $3,000. “I want to thank all those who have sponsored and supported me so far.”
As there has been a 76% increase in the detection of prostate cancer, The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is badly in need of funds to conduct further research into the early signs of prostate cancer.
Internationally, Australia has one of the highest rates of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is predicted that by 2040 the rates will be higher than breast cancer.
While the survival rate is high, at least 3,500 men in Australia are dying each year from prostate cancer and 20,000 men will be newly diagnosed over the same period.
A great need is therefore to increase the number of prostate cancer specialist nurs- es, especially in regional areas.
Any benefits gained by The Long Run will support those suffering from prostate cancer in the Parkes and local districts.
You can make a tax deductable donation by clicking on: https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/warrenedwards. Alternatively, you can contact the Action Group or a member of the Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group to offer a donation.
You can also join Warren’s team called ‘Walk with Waz’ at https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/walkwithwazOs
Warren invites community members to join him for a walk every Saturday leaving from the Wholesome Blend Café at 9am.