On the 22nd of July, Ian Smith will walk 66km from Clermont Coal Mine to Capella, in Central Queensland.
His chosen route will pass through Clermont’s town centre, carry on around Hoods Lagoon, and then out to Capella. Contributing towards the Mandate men’s health initiative, he hopes to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and patient support.
He was originally planning on a journey spanning 54km, before learning that 66 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each day in Australia. Ian is likewise spurred on by his vested interest in health and fitness and in his free time, Ian also plays rugby and frequents the gym.
“I thought if we can make it 66km long, it’d be more significant… that’s where the idea came from,” he said.
“I got into running during Covid and even completed a half marathon.
“I’m always on the go, looking out for the next challenge.”
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Ian moved to Australia in April last year. Working for The Grand Motel Hotel, Clermont, he chanced upon Mandate as part of the company’s yearly fundraising initiatives.
Drawing inspiration from a co-worker who had previously cycled between both towns, Ian reached out to PA Research Foundation’s Mandate team regarding his endeavour to raise funds for men’s health.
While he initially planned to undertake this walk alone, he has welcomed the support of others, such as teammates from his rugby team and backpackers staying at The Grand who will be ‘popping in for a few km’.
While Ian is thankful that his family and other personal connections are not affected by prostate cancer, he has come to realise the lack of awareness surrounding the disease which currently affects 1 in every 5 men by the age of 85.
“It's just, one of those things when you get chatting to people more and more, you realise how common it really is. And especially with men being men, we don't really talk about it. When you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll see how many people know someone affected by it,” Ian said.
“We’ll say it’ll be grand, but sometimes it won’t be you know, and it's probably worth going to get yourself checked.”
Following the positive feedback and support for the fundraiser thus far, Ian said he would be keen to do something similar again in the future. He extended his thanks to everyone who has gotten behind him and will continue to back him throughout the walk, including his sponsors. He would also like to thank ABC Capricornia for giving him ‘a bit of airtime’ to promote the walk locally.
“Whether it be people sponsoring online or people donating in the pub, thank you.”.
When asked if he had any final words of wisdom to share before he starts his 66km, Ian referred to the adage ‘your health is your wealth’, and reiterated the importance of men looking after their health in general, and not being afraid of getting themselves checked.
“Every little bit counts, don’t be afraid to have that awkward conversation with the doctor.”
You can donate to Ian’s efforts to fundraise for prostate cancer research and patient support here.
