The family of a much-loved local husband and father who died from prostate cancer has raised nearly $12,000 for the cause at a 4x4 charity event.
The 4X4 adventure at Watagans National Park last weekend honoured Kanwal man Mike Berton, who passed away from advanced prostate cancer in 2021 at just 53 years old.
His wife Jen, and nephews, Logan (21) and Ronan Grattan (19) took it upon themselves to continue his legacy and raise vital funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to help make a difference.
Logan thanked the community for their unwavering support, and for helping them smash their $10,000 fundraising goal.
"We are so proud to honour Uncle Mike's memory and to make a difference for an important cause," Logan said.
"Thank you to every single person who showed their support - whether it was by joining us for a day of four-wheel-driving, or by donating to our fundraiser.
"If we can save just one other family from going through what we have been through, then our efforts are worth it."
Across the Central Coast alone over 3,400 men are living with prostate cancer, with an additional 300 men newly diagnosed each year.
The community can still donate via https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraiser/jenberton/4x4-prostate-cancer-awareness-fundraiser-2023.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage welcomed community support for the family.
"As Official Champions of PCFA, Jen Berton and her extended family have helped to raise significant awareness and funds over the past two years, making a significant difference to Australian men and families impacted by prostate cancer.
"As Jen will tell you, her husband Mike Berton was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 51. He passed way at age 53, just 22 months after his diagnosis, leaving behind a loving wife and two teenage children who are now honouring his memory through their action to stop other families from enduring the same heartbreaking loss.
"Jen's legendary brother Steve and nephews, Ronan and Logan, have helped to drive the event. In its first-year last year they raised over $6,000 and this year have smashed their $10,000 target to raise nearly $12,000.
"Above and beyond fundraising, their efforts go a long way to getting the conversation started, supporting men's health, and promoting early detection through PSA testing.
"Their fundraising will ensure that we can drive forward life-saving research, enable earlier detection of the disease, and improve survival outcomes for men like Mike, who all too often get caught off guard, without ever being made aware that they are at risk.
"We're proud to see such strong support for Jen and the team, who are heroes to PCFA."
For prostate cancer information and support, call PCFA on 1800 22 00 99.
