If you had told Bernadette Claire Griffiths this time last year that she would be running 72 kilometres to raise awareness for prostate cancer, she would laughed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But after losing 30 kilograms and committing to a healthier lifestyle, the 42-year-old said she now wanted to do her bit to make a difference.
She was also inspired by a number of male figures in her life, including her grandfather, who have had their own close calls with prostate cancer.
"My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He beat it ... he had the surgery and was OK. But I've also had a few friends diagnosed with it over the past few years," she said.
"I think it can be difficult for men to go the doctor and get the tests they need to check. But it's really important to pick it up early.
"I haven't lost anyone from it, thank goodness, but I don't want to."
The most common cancer in Australian men, the disease claims more than 3000 lives a year and can have life-long impacts on those affected, and their families.
It's what motivated Ms Griffiths to step up during September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, with this year's theme of "together for the long run".
An annual annual awareness and fundraising campaign, the Long Run calls on communities to run, walk, or wheel 72km throughout the month to support those affected.
For Ms Griffiths, it's a small price to pay for an important cause - with her goal set to raise $1000.
"It's just exciting to think I might be able to make some small difference," she said.
"With Father's Day being in September, it's really important to spread that message."
Ms Griffin has also called on the community to join her, to help start a conversation about prostate cancer and its risks, and to support those going through it.
"I'm really excited to take part in The Long Run and determined to complete it," she said.
"I have had my own health battles and it wasn't long ago that I could barely get out of bed.
"Now I am active and work every day to live the healthiest and happiest life and I want to always fight with what I have for those who can't."
More than 3000 Australians 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, call 1800 22 00 99.
To donate to Ms Griffiths' cause or to follow her journey, click here.
New participants and teams can also register here.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
