MERCURY SERIES: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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When Noel Cox was diagnosed with prostate cancer 15 years ago, he regretted missing a check-up a year earlier.
Had he done so he might have had a better prognosis.
Since then he has been fighting the cancer that has spread to other parts of his body.
Now he wants to help prevent other men from having similar regrets.
Tomorrow he will do that with a gala fund-raising event to help the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
"It is probably the last thing I will do for the organisation which has been so unbelievable," he said.
"It is an excellent support group. And I ended up running a support group in Batemans Bay for prostate cancer."
Mr Cox has spent several months organising the Reach for the Stars fund-raiser at Links Seaside in Wollongong.
Mr Cox has planned a three-course gala dinner with entertainment by Boys In The Band from Sydney.
More than 140 people have registered to attend, most of whom are residents at Links Seaside.
He said it would not have been possible without the support of everyone at Links Seaside and the IRT, which had also provided a substantial donation and assistance.
Mr Cox said he was blown away by the overwhelming support of the Wollongong small business community, which had provided prizes for the silent auction and other fund-raising activities.
"I am hoping to raise a minimum of $10,000 to provide to the foundation," he said.
But he said the event was as much about raising awareness as money because more than 20,000 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed every year.
He encouraged every male aged over 50 to have regular check-ups.
"I had a very vigilant doctor ... who told me I had to be checked every 12 months because my PSA level was elevated," he said.
"But I ignored that one year.
"Those who neglect to do that run the risk of having prostate cancer and not knowing it until it is too late. Be aware that it is related to breast cancer.
"If there is any history of breast cancer or prostate cancer anywhere in your family make sure you get early check-ups."
Mr Cox said anyone wanting to make a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation could contact him on 4229 2525.
He would then be able to put them in touch with the prostate cancer support group in Wollongong.