September was Prostate Cancer Awareness Month which meant for local resident Linton Blackwell, it was an opportunity to do something special.
Mr Blackwell, who lives in Moe and leads the Baw Baw Shire Prostate Support Group, last month made the decision to participate in an event known as 'The Long Run.'
The Long Run is an annual charity event where participants are encouraged to run, walk or wheel and collect donations along the way to raise funds and awareness to help men survive prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian men. One in five men will develop anxiety or depression as a result of their diagnosis, yet 72 per cent of men will not seek help for it.
Mr Blackwell, choosing to walk his way through September, managed an astonishing 507km, raising more than $6000 along the way. This was thanks in part to the support of The Range Retirement Village in Moe, where a sausage sizzle was held to mark the end of Linton's month of walking, with local businesses donating raffle and door prizes.
Mr Blackwell was also surprised with a personalised video message from Professor Geoff Dunn AO from Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Professor Dunn personally thanked Mr Blackwell for his fundraising efforts.
For more information on prostate cancer or to join a prostate cancer group contact Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia by visiting www.pcfa.org.au or by calling 1800 22 00 99.