Biggest ever: Shepparton's 11th Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch at MOVE attracted more people and raised more money than ever before.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
A record amount of money has been raised for men’s health in the Goulburn Valley through the Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch on Friday, August 26.
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The lunch aims to increase awareness among men of the need to undertake regular health check ups, particularly for prostate and bowel cancer, but also contributes funds towards specialist nurses and equipment for the treatment, locally, of men diagnosed with the two cancers.
Held at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution, the lunch was the biggest ever in more ways than one.
It attracted almost 1000 people and raised a record $125,000 through its auction with another $20,000 raised by raffle. Ticket sales and donations will boost the tally further.
The first lunch was organised in 2009 by Chris McPherson, an owner of McPherson Media Group, publisher of the News.
Mr McPherson died in 2015 but left behind a growing legacy highlighted by this year’s fundraising efforts, which help vital men’s health initiatives in the Goulburn Valley.
This year’s event, the first in two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, was also boosted by a donation of $60,000 by the Freemasons, to provide vital biopsy equipment to Goulburn Valley Health.
The equipment means patients no longer have to travel to Melbourne to access that level of care.
Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch chairman Shane O’Sullivan said the reaction from the community had been incredible.
“Amazing. The crowds were very well behaved here and everyone is enjoying it, the food the Rotary guys. What they’ve done has been fantastic,” he said on Friday.
“Everyone I’ve talked to is having a great day.
“It’s just a real good community feel for the day.”
Personal experience: Keynote speaker Kieren Perkins spoke about more than just Olympic success, he also opened up about the loss of his father to bowel cancer.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
The keynote speaker at the lunch was Olympic gold medallist Kieren Perkins, who opened up about the loss of his father to bowel cancer, highlighting the central message of the day to get regular check ups and to never ignore changes in your health.
“Like many of us, prostate and bowel cancer does have a personal connection,” he said.
“My dad had passed away 17-and-a-half years ago now from bowel cancer.
“He didn’t feel well for probably about eight months, went to the doctor and grumbled a little bit, but didn’t really receive too much (treatment) and unfortunately, by the time they worked out that he did have cancer, it was all too late.
“It was 42 days between his diagnosis before he passed away.”
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