Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin led more than 50 motorcycle riders through Canberra today to kick off the ACT leg of The Long Ride 2014.
The Long Ride assists the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to raise money and awareness to help combat prostate cancer.
Now in its eighth year, The Long Ride has raised more than $500,000.
“Since March, our Defence members have raised more than $120,000 and had more than 70,000 conversations with Australians about the impact of prostate cancer,” ACM Binskin said.
“During the next two weeks Defence personnel will ride across regional Australia on their way to the Red Centre.
“Much of the money they raise for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia will be used to help support Australian men and their families during treatment for this insidious disease,” he said.
The ACT/NSW Chair of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Tony Sonneveld, the Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, and the Australian Defence Force Credit Union's Andrew Moebus joined Air Chief Marshal Binskin to support this national fund?raising event.
Mr Sonneveld said prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and claimed close to 3300 men each year – more than the number of women who die from breast cancer annually.
“Early detection means a very high rate of cure and we need to start these conversations with Australian men, and our contribution for The Long Ride 2014 aims to do just that,” he said.
Media note:
Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20142897
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
