02 September 2022

Shane Farrell is stepping out for The Long Run this September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to walk 72km to raise awareness and funds for men impacted by the disease.

The Long Run encourages locals to run, walk or wheel just 72km to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s work in research and support services.

The Lake Macquarie local was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July at just 49 years old, and is now determined to ensure that other men know this is not only an “old man’s disease”.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 66 men diagnosed every day. In Newcastle and Lake Macquarie alone, around 360 men will be diagnosed this year. 

After Shane’s father passed away at age 60 from metastatic prostate cancer, Shane received his own diagnosis during a routine check-up with a suspected a kidney infection.

“My doctor also did a PSA test and as it turns out, my infection was prostate cancer. I was only 49,” he said.

“The initial shock turned to an opportunity. Yes, this is my journey, but I felt compelled to speak up and tell others as it helped me to determine what was the best course of progress in my cancer journey.

“I consider myself lucky, that I had a doctor who was diligent to check even though I was showing no real symptoms.”

Shane is looking forward to the 72km challenge to help spread the word and using it as an opportunity to get ready for his upcoming surgery, “It will help me towards my weight loss goals to have effective outcomes from my forthcoming surgery.”

“During the challenge, I will also be tackling a few hiking trails in Tasmania, which will certainly help me smash my walking goals all while wearing my The Long Run t-shirt,” he said.

Shane is encouraging his friends, family, and local community to get involved in The Long Run this September.

“Get out and walk and/or run and spread the word. It helps those who are going through prostate cancer knowing there are people who care and are out there to support and get you through,” he said. 

“If The Long Run can help more people to get tested and prostate cancer detected earlier, there is a higher chance of the cancer being cured.”

Locals can get behind Shane’s efforts by donating at https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/shanefarrell/the-long-run-2022

Locals can register in one easy step via thelongrun.org.au. 

PCFA CEO Anne Savage encouraged locals to join Shane on their mission by taking part.

“The Long Run is expected to be the biggest in history this year, with increasing numbers of men being diagnosed and nearly 10 men dying from prostate cancer every single day,” Ms Savage said.

“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 launching a moon shot for research and awareness in our quest to make prostate cancer history.

“Our aim is to raise over $1.7 million for research and support, by calling on Australians to help us cover the distance to the moon.”

More than 240,000 Australian men have now been diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime – a figure set to increase by 43 per cent by 2040.

“We’ve come a long way – increasing survival rates to 95 per cent, but we will not stop until we defeat prostate cancer,” Ms Savage said.

“We’re asking those who want to join our moon shot in The Long Run to run, walk, wheel or roller skate 72km during September, in solidarity with patients and survivors.”

For information and support, call PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.pcfa.org.au. 

ENDS

Media contact:

Laura McKoy | M.0435 094 788