Prostate cancer has continued to send shockwaves through Steve Searle’s family and now the Ipswich local wants to put an end to the devastating disease by running his debut Gold Coast Airport Marathon this July.

The 49-year-old’s grandfather passed away in 1986 after a long battle with prostate cancer and now his 74-year-old father has recently been diagnosed with the same illness.

Steve is now determined to play his part in reducing the prevalence of prostate cancer in Australia by dedicating his debut effort to the event’s official charity Cancer Council Queensland.

“I’ve been told that as many as one in two Australian men and one in three Australian women are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85,” Steve said.

“I really want to raise money for Cancer Council Queensland to help make these odds better for all of us and our loved ones.”

Steve has set a monetary goal of $5,000 and believes any donation or message of support will assist him crossing the coveted finish line.

“Prostate cancer has become an extremely personal issue for me and my family and I want to do all I can to help eliminate the disease,” Steve said.

“Any financial support for Cancer Council Queensland would not only support the great cause but would also encourage me in preparing mentally for the 42.195 kilometres that awaits me.”

Steve and his wife Amanda are no strangers to the Gold Coast’s flat and fast course having participated in a number of races over the past few years.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is an iconic international event held in one of the most picturesque parts of Australia,” Steve said.

“My wife and I have previously run the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge, Southern Cross University 10km Run and ASICS Half Marathon.”

“Now it’s time to step up and have a crack at our first official marathon.”

If you would like to support Steve please visit his Everyday Hero page.

For more information visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au.