Cancer-fighting blokes’ lunch recognised at event

By Darren Linton

May 17, 2021

Shepparton’s Biggest Ever Blokes’ Lunch (SBEBL) has been recognised during an event at Government House in Melbourne to celebrate 25 years of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

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SBEBL committee chair Shane O’Sullivan, prostate cancer nurse Sonia Strachan and members of the McPherson family attended the event hosted by Victorian Governor Linda Dessau.

Special mention was made of the late Chris McPherson and of how the prostate cancer fundraiser that started in Shepparton spread around the state.

“The McPherson family was acknowledged by the governor, it makes us proud that there were 15 nurses who joined the governor for a photo and Sonia was the only one that is wholly community-funded,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“It makes us really proud that the Shepparton community has continued to support the event and generate the funds to have specialist prostate and bowel cancer nurses at GV Health to support patients.”

The PCFA was celebrated for funding world-leading, innovative research into prostate cancer, and undertaking awareness campaigns and education programs.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Victoria, with more than 6000 new cases diagnosed each year, representing 17 per cent of all cancer cases in Victoria and 30 per cent of all cancers among men.

The 2021 Biggest Ever Blokes’ Lunch will be held on Friday, August 27 at the Shepparton Showgrounds with Olympic champion swimmer Kieran Perkins and comedian Dave O’Neil providing the entertainment.