Blue September Breakfast puts a spotlight on prostate cancer

A bevy of Blenheim businesses and an iconic former All Black are joining forces in a bid raise awareness and funds for one of New Zealand’s most diagnosed cancers.

This year, about 4000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer – a disease affecting one in eight kiwi families.

And as Blue September rolls around, TvA Chartered Accountants, along with sponsors Sport Tasman and CBD Eatery, are raising vital funds for the essential wrap-around support services men and their families living with prostate cancer need.

The storied Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford will speak at the annual Blue September Breakfast next Friday, this year catered by the popular CBD Eatery at the new Lansdowne Park sport hub.

Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ Marlborough support coordinator Murray Eyles says prostate cancer is sadly more common than most people think.

“It’s not an old man’s disease,” Murray says.

“The younger you are tested, the better chance you have to survive it. I started getting tested when I was 40.”

He runs the Marlborough support group for men, their partners and families that meets the first Tuesday of the month, as well as the new Prost-Fit exercise class; A range of exercises specifically designed for men with prostate cancer.

“It’s a journey not just for men but their families as well.”

Murray says getting tested is vital, as the cancer is often treatable if caught early enough.

“Blokes don’t talk about those things downstairs,” he says.

“Guys need to talk about looking after themselves, being frank.”

This year, Blue September hopes to raise more than $1 million.

Funds raised are used for vital research into the disease and its impact, to create awareness through education and outreach programmes, and to advocate for better access to diagnosis and treatments that are so desperately needed.

Murray says their last breakfast, which saw rugby stars Andy Ellis and Wyatt Crockett share their stories, had the best turnout yet.

But he’s hoping this year’s event will be even bigger.

Come along to the Blue September Breakfast at Lansdown Sport Hub.

All Black legend and Prostate Cancer Ambassador Sir Wayne 'Buck' Shelford will talk about his journey with cancer, well-being, and of course rugby.

A hot breakfast provided by CBD Eatery is included in the ticket price.

Signed Mako merchandise will be available for auction.

Doors open at 7am, Friday September 9 with the event kicking off at 7.30am

Donations are encouraged to help to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and wear something blue to show your support.

Tickets can be purchased online $40.00 p/p +booking fees at https://events.humanitix.com/blue-september-breakfast with $25.00 of all ticket sales going to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.