Three members of Goulburn-Murray Water’s east distribution team have come together to encourage their mates to put their health first.
East distribution assistant manager Luke Dunham, distribution co-ordinator Dean Nye and customer service team lead Corey Hickford decided to participate in Movember to raise donations for men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
Mr Nye said his own experiences inspired him to participate in Movember.
“Four years ago, when I was 49 years old, I visited my GP because I knew I was getting to the age when you need your bowel and prostate checked,” he said.
“My blood tests came back high enough to be referred to a specialist, and when the results came back, they told me I had prostate cancer.
“When you hear that, your head starts spinning; you don’t know what to do.
“When I told one of my workmates about how I had discovered I had prostate cancer, it prompted them to get tested as well, and they then found out they had it too.”
But they weren’t the only ones in the office to receive the bad news.
“There were five of us at G-MW’s Cobram office who were all diagnosed with prostate cancer within a few months of each other,” Mr Nye said.
“It was just terrible luck. But we all spoke about what we were dealing with and were open with each other.
“That’s what has been so good about doing this fundraiser, it has been a great opportunity for us to talk and encourage others to get tested and make their health a priority.”
The trio managed to raise over $2000 for preventing prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental illness, as well as initiated some important conversations.
To learn more about Movember or to donate, you can head to https://au.movember.com/