Two Narara brothers are starting off 2022 in the right gear, helping to drive funds and awareness into prostate cancer research and local support services.
Logan (19) and Ronan Grattan (17) will hold a 4X4 fundraiser on January 15 from 10am to 3pm at Watagans National Park to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Local 4X4 enthusiasts are invited to join them for a day of driving, food and fun in support of the cause. Drivers are asked to meet at Pines Picnic Area at 10am (entry through Martinsville Road then onto Watagans Forrest Road, Onley).
The brothers were inspired to give back in 2022 after their own uncle, Mike Berton, passed away from advanced prostate cancer last year at just 53 years old.
"We want to honour Uncle Mike, and start a conversation about men's health in the hope it saves even one family from going through what our family has," Logan said.
"Considering each of the guys involved in the event will have a male figure in their life, this conversation and awareness could potentially save a life."
Ronan said Mike also loved four-wheel-driving so the event was a no-brainer.
"Through 4X4 we've found a community of people who would never drive pass someone that needed a hand without stopping to help - and this is what this fundraiser is all about, helping out where we can," he said.
"We couldn't have done this without the help and support of our Aunty Jen, Mike's wife, who has helped us get this off the ground."
Jen Berton, who also lives locally, said she couldn't be prouder of her nephews.
"Mike was a fit, healthy and active man. He had no family history of prostate cancer, and it was never on the radar. But after being tested at 51 they found a high PSA level to which further investigation showed an aggressive form of prostate cancer," Jen said.
"Twenty-two months later he passed away at just 53 years - leaving behind his family and friends.
"I don't want any other family to go through what we have so I am proud of Logan and Ronan for thinking up a way to raise awareness of prostate cancer. I know that their Uncle Mike would be so proud of them."
Logan and Ronan encouraged locals to show their support for the cause by donating at https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/jenberton.
