Delivering funds to fight prostate cancer

THE Male Bag Ride is moving south, having pledged $60,000 to accelerate the delivery of a transperineal biopsy machine (TBM) for Barwon Health.

To date the ride has raised over $1.3 million for prostate cancer treatment, with an estimated 400 men using TBMs they have funded each week.

The TBM procedure supersedes existing surgery for prostate cancer. It has a much lower risk of infection and a shorter recovery time.

Male Bag Foundation patron and rider David Parkin said he was honoured to be part of the charity.

“It’s important we continue to spread the word about prostate cancer, in the hope that we can save more men from this insidious disease that kills over 3300 Australian men annually,” Mr Parkin said.

“One hundred per cent of the money raised through sponsorship goes to supporting prostate cancer, to fund awareness campaigns, diagnostic equipment and nurse support for this uniquely male disease.”

The ride sees 30 riders head off from Melbourne on Friday October 11, with places still available for those interested in joining. A ferry ride from Sorrento will see the riders quickly reach the Bellarine Peninsula, as they will proceed through Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Barwon Heads, and Torquay, before finishing the first day in Geelong.

The following day will see them travel along more of the Great Ocean Road, heading through Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay. They will then head into the Otways, passing through Skene’s Creek, Forrest and Birregurra before heading back to Geelong via Winchelsea.

On the last day on Sunday October 13 they will head to Drysdale via Portarlington Road, before travelling back to Melbourne by Eastern Beach and the Princess Highway. This will see the threeday ride cover a total of approximately 1,200 kilometres.

You must have a current motorcycle license to join, but if you don’t have a bike there are a limited amount available for hire.

For more information visit themalebagfoundation.org.au.