Cronulla's Fiona Dalton to take part in PCFA's The Long Run

Prostate cancer claims more than 3,000 lives a year and can have lifelong impacts on those affected and their families.

The Long Run is Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia's annual awareness and fundraising campaign.

During September, for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Ms Dalton and more than 3000 others will run, walk, or wheel 72km throughout in the hope of raising $1.6 million for prostate cancer research and specialist nurses.

Ms Dalton said she wanted to do something for her dad - Mark - who passed away last year from prostate cancer.

"His birthday is in September and he always loved to celebrate it so this will be a way to honour him in the month of his birthday," she said.

"My Dad was a very generous person and was always donating to charities and giving to people less fortunate even though he wasn't a wealthy man himself.

"He was always looking for ways to give back in life, so this is my way of carrying that on."

For Ms Dalton, The Long Run ticks both boxes of looking after her own physical and mental health, and helping men and families go the distance.

"I am determined to make a difference," she said. "I thought this would be a good way to challenge myself and keep motivated during COVID.

"Now more than ever, it is important to stay active and do it for those who are struggling mentally and physically. It is also a great reason to get out of the house during lockdowns.

"I would welcome the community support - almost all of us know someone who is silently suffering from prostate cancer right now."

To follow Ms Dalton's efforts and donate visit tinyurl.com/vue536.

New participants and teams can also register at thelongrun.org.au.

PCFA CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO urged men and their loved ones to come together for the long run.

"Many families in the local community are facing prostate cancer right now and will need special care and support," he said.

"This year's campaign for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, with the theme 'Together for the long run', aims to show our solidarity and raise vital funds so that men in the local area have access to life-saving clinical trials and Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses.

"Make no mistake - we need to step up now, with the number of men diagnosed expected to increase by as much as 60 per cent over future years."

Mr Dunn said that without community involvement in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and campaigns, they will not be able to meet the growing demand for PCFA services and programs.

"We would love to see the community come together for the long run in 2021, taking action throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month," he said.

"I'd urge all families to run for the ones they love and help love go the distance."

To request the care of a PCFA Specialist Nurse, call 1800 22 00 99.