Saturday, 8th October brought a sunny start to the day at the Inglewood Golf Club in preparation for the 5th annual PIPA (Partners in Prostate Awareness) Beer and Boxers Golf Day. Covid has held us back for the past two years, but we were able to go full steam ahead this year, with another successful fundraising day.
PIPA was formed in 2015, with the goal of raising awareness and support for men facing the challenge of prostate cancer. PIPA is affiliated with “ManUp!”, a registered charity that also raises awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
Golfers enjoyed the 6-hole ambrose competition, and just made it back in time to the clubhouse before the rain really set in.
Shane Webcke and Andrew Gee were key guests on the day, chatting and enjoying a beer with the golfers on and off the course. Shane gave an inspirational speech from the heart, centering on men’s mental health, encouraging blokes to look out for each other and to share their stories. He spoke about his own personal and professional life journeys which had the crowd quiet and attentive one moment and then roaring with laughter the next!
Dr Ben McIlwaine and Dr Sam Fath from the Inglewood Medical Centre and local hospital spoke about mental health and encouraged the men to be proactive about having a simple blood test for prostate cancer, which allayed many a fear! Questions were answered and advice was given, with a little tongue in cheek along the way!
Jill and Leah Costello, founding members of ManUp! joined us again this year to assist with the fundraising and to encourage the men to “BE OKAY, CHECK YOUR PSA”. Jill’s words of wisdom, and her personal journey of prostate cancer that claimed her husband, Brian’s life were powerful. Jill definitely looked the part as she donned her 2022 PIPA boxer shorts as she spoke to the crowd!
A big thankyou to all our guest speakers, for the education, advice and particularly the laughs!
The 101-strong crowd enjoyed delicious food, great raffle and auction prizes and music from the Luke Melhop Band, boogying away the night as the rain softly fell.
PIPA is excited to announce that $20,000 has been raised this year to donate to ManUp! This will assist with the continuing education of men across Queensland in relation to prostate cancer, testing and early diagnosis.
Thankyou to the Inglewood Golf Club for allowing us to host our event at the club and for running the ambrose competition, as well as providing bar staff to quench the thirsts of many! Your assistance is always appreciated.
Thankyou to Red Johnstone for his fabulous MC flair and Bruce McLeish for his great eye on the ball auctioneering talents!
Thankyou to ARTC/Inland Rail for your generous grant in relation to our equipment hire fees.
A huge THANKYOU to everyone that attended the day and for supporting our cause. And a massive shout out to all the individuals and businesses that donated raffle and auction prizes, food, cash, and time to assist us in so many ways with set up, pack up, cooking, serving food and so much more! It is very much appreciated.
Lads, remember to have your yearly prostate cancer blood test (PSA) if you are over 40 years of age. It’s so easy! “BE OKAY, CHECK YOUR PSA”. Your prostate will thank you!
Early detection saves lives!
ManUp! is leading the way in prostate cancer education and support in regional and rural areas throughout Queensland and New South Wales. Our mission is simple, stop deaths from prostate cancer by educating men in these communities and encouraging early detection by annual testing.
1 in 5 Queensland men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85*.
We need your support to change these statistics because the good news is that IF detected early, the survival rate is much higher.
