‘Helping love go the distance against prostate cancer’: Mum-of-nine walks 72km for a good cause

When Diana Hill’s husband Gary was diagnosed with advanced cancer in 2018 it was a diagnosis that rocked their family of 11. Find out what she did next.

Garry Hill with his wife Diana, seated, and their nine children, two of their partners and four grandchildren. Garry lives with stage four prostate cancer so his wife Diana will be walking 72km to raise awareness for the disease. Picture: Supplied by family

When Diana Hill’s husband Gary was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2018 it was a diagnosis that rocked their family of 11.

Five years on and Gary, 66, is still battling the stage four disease, undergoing surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy, but the cancer has since spread to his ribs and spine.

In an effort to fight back, Ms Hill, 62, has signed up to The Long Run to raise awareness and funds for The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

PCFA’s campaign calls on Australians to run, walk or ride 72km in September.

“My motivation for taking part is my wonderful husband of 42 years and father of our nine children,” Ms Hill said.

“Seeing Gary courageously battling through the pain, treatments and mental health effects of stage four prostate cancer is inspiring.

“My husband having prostate cancer has made me aware of the impact this disease has on so many men and their families – not just physically but the effects on mental health.”

Diana and Gary Hill – along with dog Stan – at their Lewiston property. Diana is walking 72km in support of her husband Gary, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. Picture: Emma Brasier

Ms Hill has walked three to four kilometres with her greyhound Stan each day.

So far she has walked 38 kilometres.

Mr and Ms Hill have nine children together including seven sons who now face an increased risk of developing the disease later in life.

“Until their dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer our seven sons hadn’t given prostate cancer a thought – thinking it was an old man’s disease,” she said.

“Now they are very aware of the importance of having a PSA test at 40 or sooner if they have any symptoms.”

CEO of PCFA, Anne Savage, commended Ms Hill for making a difference.

“Both Diana and Gary are an inspiration to us all – demonstrating that together we can make a difference, helping love go the distance against prostate cancer,” she said.

Several thousand eager runners, walkers and cyclists are expected to join The Long Run this September with a total goal of raising $1m.