Graeme Higgs (centre), The National Conference Manager of the Prostate Cancer Foundation
of Australia, accepts a cheque for $3,000 from the Men of League Foundation - Northern
Rivers patron Bob Abbott (right) and Secretary Tony Cicchinelli (left)
When former Australian Rugby League general manager Bob Abbott, AM, attended last year’s Northern Rivers Prostate Cancer Support Group seminar, he was shocked by statistics which show that more than 20,000 men are diagnosed with the disease each year, and about 3300 lose their lives to it annually.
Mr Abbott, now living at Tintenbar, decided to do something about raising awareness of prostate cancer as patron of the Men of League Foundation Northern Rivers Committee.
After attending the forum, Mr Abbott wrote to former Rugby League great Ron Coote, who is president of the Men of League Foundation.
Nationally, the Men of League Foundation responded to Mr Abbott’s letter to Mr Coote by using the members’ magazine to highlight awareness of the disease.
Locally, Mr Abbott’s involvement in boosting awareness of prostate cancer culminated on September 19, in the presentation of a cheque for $3000 to the Northern Rivers Prostate Cancer Support Group at its 2009 seminar, held at the Lismore City Hall.
Mr Abbott told the seminar that Men of League had a strong women’s committee which was active in highlighting diseases such as breast cancer.
But he said that, after attending last year’s forum, he felt there was a lack of awareness among men about prostate cancer.
The $3000 was raised at a golf day held at Tweed Heads. An official of the Prostate Cancer Foundation attended the day to explain the foundation and its work.
“Men of League Foundation Northern Rivers Committee covers the area from the Tweed down to Casino and Kyogle and south to Evans Head,” Mr Abbott told the seminar.
“We already have donated funds to Our Kids at the Lismore Base Hospital, the Far North Coast autism group, Biala Special School in Ballina and Ballina hospital.