DJR OWNERS NAMED AMBASSADORS FOR PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION

Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) has announced that team founder Dick Johnson, CEO Ryan Story and DJR Advisory Board Member Rob Herrod have been named as official ambassadors for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

In recent months the motorsport community has been shook by a couple of legendary figures diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In February, two-time Bathurst 1000 winner and long-time DJR driver John Bowe announced that he had been diagnosed and was followed last week by the voice of Supercars Neil Crompton.

Story explained that now was an important time to support the community organisation which is committed to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners and families.

“One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85, and it doesn’t discriminate,” Story said.

“We’ve seen a number of key personalities in the motorsport community diagnosed in the past and recent months.

“Thanks to the fantastic work of organisations like The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, the survival rate has increased from 60 percent to 95 percent in the past 35 years. A simple blood test to check PSA levels can lead to early detection, and that saves lives.

“The Shell V-Power Racing Team has been supporting The Prostate Cancer Foundation for some time by donating the proceeds from the sales of our signed Sierra memorabilia prints, and there’s more to come.

“Our mission is to ensure they can continue the fight against the second deadliest cancer in men in Australia.”

Story, Johnson, Herrod as well as the entire team will be supporting the PCFA Sit-Up 45 Challenge.

The challenge sees individual participants complete 45 sit-ups daily throughout Men’s Health Week which this year takes place from June 14-20.

Both Johnson and Herrod themselves have survived their own battles with prostate cancer and know firsthand the importance of early detection and treatment.

“Unfortunately, when prostate cancer first develops, there are often no symptoms; they tend to develop in the later stages,” Johnson explained.

“It’s why regularly seeing your doctor when you’re over 50, or over 40 if there have been cases in your family, is so important.”

“Rob and I were lucky we were diagnosed early, but it’s so important for men to discuss their individual risks and detection options with their doctor.

“When it comes to the Sit-Up 45 challenge, I think I’ll enlist the help of our super-fit crew to do my share.”

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