01 September 2022
Harness Racing Victoria drivers are going the distance this September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in a show of support for the men diagnosed with prostate cancer every day.
Led by champion harness racing trainer David Aiken, after a personal battle with prostate cancer, the team has joined the quest to make prostate cancer history by joining Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s signature campaign, The Long Run.
The Long Run calls on Australians to run, walk or wheel 72km throughout the month to raise vital funds for prostate cancer research, awareness and support.
Harness Racing Victoria has launched a creative take on the campaign, with racing royalty Greg Sugars and Chris Alford aiming to cover 72km in their sulky, donning PCFA silks in their races.
Other staff and industry participants on the team will also run or walk 72km in an effort to make a difference.
Harness Racing Victoria Chairman Dale Monteith said HRV was thrilled to launch its team, The Long Trot, as part of The Long Run to help save lives.
“More than 24,000 Australian men are likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year – including over 5,300 in Victoria alone,” Monteith said.
“We’re dedicated to supporting these men and will be jogging, trotting and pacing our way throughout the month to raise vital funds for research and support services.
“Prostate cancer is a disease that impacts so many Australian families and workplaces, including our own, so it’s a cause very close to heart.
“We’ve been proud supporters of PCFA for many years and hope that the community will get behind our efforts this year and donate to help make prostate cancer history.”
Drivers Greg Sugars and Chris Alford will be donning white and blue PCFA silks throughout September to raise further awareness.
A blue-themed race day will also be held on September 17 at Tabcorp Park Melton, with racegoers encouraged to get involved in support of The Long Run.
Supporters can donate to the Long Trot team via www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/thelongtrot
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage commended Harness Racing Victoria for its ongoing commitment to saving lives.
“We’re extremely honoured to partner with Harness Racing Victoria for The Long Run this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to support Australian men with prostate cancer,” Ms Savage said.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 66 men diagnosed every single day and 10 men dying from the disease each day.
“The number of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is increasing more rapidly than any other type of cancer, and the impact it takes on men’s lives is significant.
“Men with prostate cancer face a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide death, and 72 per cent of men do not get support for their mental health concerns.
“In response, we’re aiming to raise $1.7 million through The Long Run for research and support services to help make prostate cancer history.
“We’ve come a long way with survival rates increasing to 95 per cent, but we will not stop until we defeat prostate cancer.
“We are tremendously grateful for the support of the harness racing community and incredibly proud to be giving it all we’ve got,” she said.
Men and families impacted by prostate cancer can access support and information from Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia via 1800 22 00 99 or www.pcfa.org.au.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has over 100 Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses and Telenurses across Australia supporting men and families impacted by the disease. In addition, Australians can access Prostate Cancer Counselling Service at no-cost, a network of 130 Support Groups and peer-support services, and information and survivorship kits.
ENDS
Media contact:
Laura McKoy | M.0435 094 788
