A LOCAL duo are planning to hit the road in a bid to raise money for prostate cancer.
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Pharmacist Michael O'Reilly and Ian Woodland, who is a tiler by trade, are tackling the tough terrain of the Australian outback over a seven day 4WD adventure whilst raising much-needed cash for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Although there has been progress in diagnosis and treatment, Mr O'Reilly said nine Australian men die every day from prostate cancer - some of whom come into his store.
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His involvement in the fundraising is "in memory of those guys who fought really hard, but sadly lost their battle".
"We meet them early on in their journey, right from day one when the fella and their family come straight from the doctor to get their prescription," he said.
"While I am not their doctor, I still see them through their diagnosis, surgery or chemotherapy. I get to know these guys, as well as their wives, partners and child."
The pair - donning the team name Woody and The Chemist - only have $2000 left to raise until reaching their target, and it is "still early days."
"We have five weeks to go and have already raised $8000," Mr O'Reilly said.
"We are blown away by the support from the local business community, as well as, family members, the people who are going through the battle at the moment and those with similar motivations to me."
The drivers set off on September 7 at Lightning Ridge, travelling through the iconic outback towns of Bourke, White Cliffs, Broken Hill, Mildura before finally finishing in Tocumwal.
Mr O'Reilly is an avid four-wheeled driver whereas his co-driver has less experience - but his enthusiasm cannot be matched.
"Woody is very passionate about fundraising and is very selfless and really got behind this," he said.
Mr O'Reilly said anyone looking to donate towards the cause can visit https://2019outback4wd.everydayhero.com/au/woody-and-the-chemist.