Mount Gambier resident Alec Hamilton is pushing for prostate cancer awareness and fundraising, travelling all the way to Adelaide in a wheelchair driven by the support and generosity of his sons and the local community.

Mr Hamilton’s latest initiative ‘Push for Prostate’ will raise money for cancer treating laser equipment for the Mount Gambier Hospital in accordance with the Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (LCPCSG).

Mr Hamilton is hopeful he will be able to raise part of the $90,000 needed for the equipment with the LCPCSG working in other areas hoping to install the device within “12-18 months”.

“I am aiming to raise $40,000, if I can get that I will be happy,” Mr Hamilton said.

The prostate cancer sufferer and LCPCSG member is no stranger to fundraising, having raised money for the Prostate Biopsy machine installed in the South East in September 2020.

He hopes this initiative will also raise awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.

The team of 12 will travel from Mount Gambier on January 29, stopping at each of the major towns along the way to Adelaide to give a presentation highlighting the importance of getting tested.

“Just over 3000 people a year die from prostate cancer because of late diagnosis, and they do not have to.

“It can affect any man at any time,” Mr Hamilton said.

“If you have a history of prostate cancer in the family you should start getting checked at 40 and if there is no history you should get checked at 50 years old.

“The installation of the prostate biopsy machine means men do not have to travel to a capital city to get tested.”

Donations for Mr Hamilton’s worthy cause can be made via direct bank deposit, details: BSB 633000 ACC 188714117.