Gold Coast Turf Club Chairman Brett Cook commits to 72km effort for prostate cancer funds

The boss of the Gold Coast’s turf club is about to take on a battle and has urged men to make their health a priority. Read what he said.

Gold Coast Turf Club Chairman Brett Cook is taking part in the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s The Long Run to help raise awareness. Picture Glenn Hampson

Gold Coast racing boss Brett Cook is pounding the pavement in a month-long effort to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.

The Gold Coast Turf Club chairman will clock-up tens of kilometres over the next 30 days as part of The Long Run, an initiative by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

“Both of my grandparents were diagnosed,” Mr Cook said.

“One of them passed away.

“I guess I’ve always been aware of prostate cancer and the impact that it had on my family.”

The boss of Aquis Park has raised more than half a million dollars for prostate cancer charities in the past and has developed a passion for promoting mens health.

He hopes his effort over the next month with The Long Run will inspire others to get involved.

“You have to do 72KM, either walking, running or riding a bike over a month,” he said.

“I’ve set myself a target of 100km.

Mr Cook hopes to do 100km by the end of September. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“So I’ve been walking from my home to the office everyday which is about a 6km round trip.

“It makes you feel healthy, you’re looking after yourself and it helps with the weight loss.”

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed in Australia and among men, with more than 26,300 expected to receive a diagnosis in 2024.

According to research by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, 1 in 5 men will be diagnosed by the age of 85.

The rate of men dying from the disease has been gradually falling over the past two decades, Mr Cook urged more men to prioritise their health and get involved with raising funds.

“Getting tested regularly is incredibly important” Mr Cook said.

“It’s a blood test – it’s simple.

“There are many people that are alive after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“You’re best chance is to get tested and catch it early.”