Going the ‘Long Trot’ for a good cause

Led by champion trainer David Aiken, after a personal battle with prostate cancer, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) and the wider industry have established a fundraising team to raise money and awareness for the importance cause.

The Long Trot team will be made up of HRV staff and industry participants, clocking up kilometres for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Aiken will be joined by superstar drivers Greg Sugars and Chris Alford as the industry’s Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) ambassadors, the reinsmen wearing specially designed silks during September.

The Long Trot team will take part in the annual fundraising campaign called The Long Run, which calls on Australians to run, walk or wheel 72km throughout September to raise vital funds for prostate cancer research, awareness and support.

The Long Trot has already signed up marathon extraordinaire Kate Gath as one of the team’s stars and the hope is many others follow in her footsteps.

Harness Racing Victoria Chairman Dale Monteith said HRV was thrilled to launch its team, The Long Trot, as part of The Long Run to help save lives.

“More than 24,000 Australian men are likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year – including over 5,300 in Victoria alone,” Monteith said.

“We’re dedicated to supporting these men and will be jogging, trotting and pacing our way throughout the month to raise vital funds for research and support services.

“Prostate cancer is a disease that impacts so many Australian families and workplaces, including our own, so it’s a cause very close to heart.

“We’ve been proud supporters of PCFA for many years and hope that the community will get behind our efforts this year and donate to help make prostate cancer history.”

A blue-themed race day will also be held on September 17 at Tabcorp Park Melton, with racegoers encouraged to get involved in support of The Long Run.

Supporters can donate to the Long Trot team via www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/thelongtrot

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage commended Harness Racing Victoria for its ongoing commitment to saving lives.

“We’re extremely honoured to partner with Harness Racing Victoria for The Long Run this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to support Australian men with prostate cancer,” Ms Savage said.

“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 66 men diagnosed every single day and 10 men dying from the disease each day.

“The number of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is increasing more rapidly than any other type of cancer, and the impact it takes on men’s lives is significant.

“Men with prostate cancer face a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide death, and 72 per cent of men do not get support for their mental health concerns.

“In response, we’re aiming to raise $1.7 million through The Long Run for research and support services to help make prostate cancer history.

“We’ve come a long way with survival rates increasing to 95 per cent, but we will not stop until we defeat prostate cancer.

“We are tremendously grateful for the support of the harness racing community and incredibly proud to be giving it all we’ve got,” she said.

Men and families impacted by prostate cancer can access support and information from Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia via 1800 22 00 99 or www.pcfa.org.au.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has over 100 Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses and Telenurses across Australia supporting men and families impacted by the disease. In addition, Australians can access Prostate Cancer Counselling Service at no-cost, a network of 130 Support Groups and peer-support services, and information and survivorship kits.

Industry participants are encouraged to join The Long Trot by registering here: www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/thelongtrot

From Harness Racing Victoria