01 December 2022
Major Partner
Tyrepower employees across the country took the power back against prostate cancer this year, raising funds for research and support, and driving awareness to help save lives.
As a major partner of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), the team, championed by Tyrepower General Managers’ Rob Smith and Richard Ellery, stepped into action for numerous initiatives including Walk for Him for Men’s Health Week in June, and The Long Run for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September.
They rallied motorsport legends like Jack le Brocq, and Craig Lowndes, to get on board and support the cause. Local stores, from Victor Harbour, Margaret River, Parkes and other locations also joined the challenges.
In addition, Tyrepower matched donations from the community to ensure every dollar raised would go double the distance and help make prostate cancer history.
Rob Smith, a prostate cancer survivor, said he was proud to be involved to help change the conversation around prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 66 men diagnosed every single day.
While survival rates have improved from around 60 per cent to 95 per cent over the past 30 years, more than 3,500 men are still dying from the disease each year in Australia.
Rob shared his story during Men’s Health Week to talk about how early detection was key to improving survival.
“Prior to being diagnosed, I spent very little of my time talking to my team and company about men’s health. The day I got my diagnosis, that all changed for me, and it has to change for all of us if we want to drive survival forward,” he shared.
“To be clear fellas, for prostate cancer – it’s just a blood test.”
After his diagnosis, Rob was supported by a PCFA Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse and experienced first-hand the benefit of having access to local support services.
“I couldn’t have gotten through my diagnosis without PCFA’s support. No bloke should have to face prostate cancer without someone to walk beside him.”
Richard Ellery, who is also a prostate cancer survivor, said Tyrepower was committed to going the distance with PCFA.
“Survival rates are improving thanks to the work of PCFA funding research, hiring specialist nurses, raising awareness, and advocating to help men like me get access to life-saving medicines and treatments – and we’re honoured to be on this journey with them,” he shared.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage thanked Tyrepower for their tremendous support and ongoing commitment to saving lives.
“We are extremely proud of the long-standing partnership we have with Tyrepower and the difference it continues to make,” Ms Savage said.
“With the support of the team at Tyrepower, lives are being saved, men and their families are being supported, and we’re taking the power back against prostate cancer.
“To everyone involved – thank you. Your involvement makes all the difference.”
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is here for all men and their families impacted by prostate cancer. If you need support, or have questions about prostate cancer, phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a specialist nurse today.
