10 July 2025
Townsville’s Mick Marshall is gearing up for a 5,207km ride across on his brand new Australia Suzuki VSTROM 1050DE to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer as part of the 2025 Long Ride in support of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
The Long Ride brings motorcycle enthusiasts together to promote early detection of prostate cancer and raise funds to support PCFA’s life-saving work.
This year, riders from all states and territories will travel through dozens of towns across Australia, engaging with local communities and encouraging men to get tested, before finishing off the ride in the main arena at the Esperance show.
A recently retired Royal Australian Air Force veteran, Mick has participated in five Long Rides, with his first back in 2014 to Uluru.
This year marks his longest ride yet – from Townsville to Esperance – as part of a nationwide event to support men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Mick said it wasn’t just about the ride; it’s about the people.
“Everywhere we stop, you hear stories. You meet blokes affected by prostate cancer, their mates, their families, and you realise just how important this cause is.”
A passionate health advocate, Mick served as the Northern Territory Delegate for the 2024 Long Ride to Port Douglas and is now taking on the role of Far North Queensland Delegate for the 2025 event.
“This year’s ride is a big one, and it’s the biggest for me yet. It’s a great challenge, but the real reward is the awareness we raise and the lives we might help save.”
Together with two other riders from Far North Queensland, Mick has already raised $6,785 for PCFA, with more fundraising events planned before the group departs Townsville on October 9.
“Fundraising isn’t easy these days, money is tight for everyone, but it’s amazing how people still show up and give to the cause. You meet someone at the shops or the pub, tell them what you're doing, and they open up about their dad or their brother. That’s what keeps you going.
“You’d be surprised how many people come up and share their stories of prostate cancer. It’s powerful, and it reminds you why we do this.”
Mick is also calling on men aged 40 and over to get tested. “I’m vigilant about my health, and luckily for me, my PSA levels are within normal range, and I’ll continue to get tested.”
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. One in five will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and more than 3,500 men will die from the disease this year alone.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage praised Mick and his fellow riders for their incredible contribution.
“Every kilometre covered on the Long Ride helps drive awareness, raises life-saving funds, and brings men’s health into the spotlight. We’re deeply grateful to Mick and all the Long Riders for going the distance.”
Mick said the group is aiming to raise a total of $100,000.
“If one bloke gets tested after hearing our story, then it will all be worth it,” Mick said.
Registrations for the Long Ride 2025 close on 31 July 2025.
Anyone interested in joining the ride or supporting the team’s efforts can do so by visiting www.longrideaustralia.au.
