19 August 2021

When Michael Scott’s boss was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he witnessed first-hand the detrimental toll that the disease can take on men and their families.

Committed to raising awareness of the disease and support those going through it, Michael will once again step-up during September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and take part in The Long Run.

The Long Run is the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s annual fundraising campaign, calling on communities to run, walk, or wheel 72km throughout the month.

This year’s theme, Together for the long run, encourages people to unite as a community to save lives and improve the mental and physical health of everyone affected by prostate cancer.

Michael said, his boss, Denis Lucardie from Union Hydraulics in Sale (better known as Dinga), has also been like a father figure to him since he started with the company nearly 20 years ago.

“When Denis was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, I saw how this disease can completely break even the strongest of men,” he said.

“I wanted to do something to show my support and when I came across The Long Run last year I thought it was a great opportunity to get involved. I enjoy running so I’ve decided to take part again this year.”

Michael and his boss, Denis Lucardie, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer

Michael isn’t just planning to run 72km, he’s committed to pushing himself the extra mile and running 300km throughout the month of September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

“It’s truly heart-breaking to watch someone go through cancer – with prostate cancer there is also a lot of added confusion around treatments and where to find support, and a lack of information out there.

“I know the region’s local Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse was pivotal in getting him through the hardest days, so part of raising funds for The Long Run is about ensuing that all men have access to services like this.

“There needs to be more support services available, and awareness, to help men through it.”

In Australia, 45 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day, with many facing lasting physical and psychological challenges. Around 72 per cent of men with prostate cancer will not seek help for their distress.

“I encourage everyone to jump onboard so we can change the statistics and give men and their families the support they need,” he said.

Michael said The Long Run has become a family affair, with his four kids taking turns to run with him and get involved too. You can follow Michael’s efforts and donate via thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/williamscott/the-long-run-2021/.  

New participants and teams can also register in one easy step via thelongrun.org.au.

PCFA CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO urged men and their loved ones to come together for the long run.

“This year’s campaign for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, with the theme ‘Together for the long run’, aims to show our solidarity and raise vital funds so that men in the local area have access to life-saving clinical trials and Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses,” Prof Dunn said.

“Without community involvement in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and campaigns such as The Long Run, we simply will not be able to meet the growing demand for PCFA services and programs.

“We would love to see the community come together for the long run in 2021, taking action throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

“I’d urge all families to run for the ones they love and help love go the distance.”

More than 3,000 people are expected to join The Long Run campaign this year in the hope of raising $1.6 million for prostate cancer research and specialist nurses.

If you or someone you know needs the care of a PCFA Specialist Nurse, please call 1800 22 00 99.

ENDS

PCFA media contact: Laura McKoy | M. 0435 094 788