Tasmanian woman Michelle Baldwin joins Sit-Up 45 Challenge for prostate cancer awareness

They renewed their wedding vows and spent months travelling around Tasmania. It was something further heightened by Mrs Baldwin's own diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

But sadly, just over a year after receiving his diagnosis, Kim died. He was 63 years old.

Now, Mrs Baldwin is watching her brother go through a similar battle, having also been told he has advanced prostate cancer.

So in an effort to raise awareness and fight back against the disease, Mrs Baldwin has signed up for the Sit-Up 45 Challenge.

Organised through the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and held during Men's Health Week (June 14-20), the initiative challenges participants to do 45 sit-ups a day.

Acknowledging that her MS might make this more challenging, Mrs Baldwin said she was determined to do her best and hopefully make a difference along the way.

"Too many men leave it too late to get tested, or don't go to the doctor at all. Improving awareness around prostate cancer is important as a diagnosis can happen so quickly," she said.

"To watch Kim go through prostate cancer was just devastating. But I know he will be proud of me doing this challenge.

"If I can show that I can give it a go with MS - then everyone should be able to get on board."

Australia has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world, with around 17,000 men diagnosed each year and one in every six likely to be diagnosed by age 85.

PCFA chief executive Professor Jeff Dunn said awareness raised through the sit-up challenge could help prevent more deaths from prostate cancer.

"This not only is a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds, but you'll improve your overall health and happiness too," he said.

"It's never been easier to get involved - join Michelle in making a difference and sit-up for prostate cancer."

For more information about PCFA, visit www.pcfa.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99.

Donate to Michelle's cause here.

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