Defence breaks record in prostate cancer fund raising

Defence motorcyclists have ridden hundreds of thousands of kilometres and raised more than $80,000 for prostate cancer research as part of The Long Ride to Cairns. 

Earlier this month, 120 military and Defence civilian riders from bases across Australia joined more than 250 other Long Ride participants for the journey to north Queensland. The Long Ride aims to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and to further raise awareness of prostate cancer. 

Defence riders covered a combined distance of about 450,000 kilometres on the way to Cairns. Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin rode for the first two days, from Canberra to St George, Queensland. 

Fundraising occurred prior to departure and during events on the journey north. Defence fundraising has topped $81,000.      

“This is an outstanding result, I’m really proud of all the Defence members who made the time and effort to support this very important cause. It is the largest amount Defence has raised during a Long Ride for prostate cancer,” Air Marshal Binskin said. 

“Just as important was the community engagement along the way. As riders travelled through regional areas, they built awareness on the need for vigilance on prostate cancer. Men in regional and rural areas have a 21 per cent higher prostate cancer mortality rate than men in capital cities,” Air Marshal Binskin said. 

PCFA CEO, Dr Anthony Lowe, commended all participants. 

“We would like to thank the Defence riders for their support, passion and excellent funds raised. Those funds allow us to continue to engage, educate and provide support to men across Australia diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families,” Dr Lowe said. 

PCFA data indicates one in five men is likely to develop prostate cancer by age 85. On this basis, thousands of the current Defence workforce could be affected by prostate cancer during their lives. 

Approximately 20,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. More than 3300 Australian men die as a direct result of prostate cancer annually. 

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999