They've fought fires together and tackled tough times, so when a family member of leading firefighter Ben Kilday was diagnosed with prostate cancer, partner Tyson Macilwain didn't hesitate to help raise funds.
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The duo from Fire Rescue Victoria will be running about 30 kilometres from Port Fairy to Warrnambool on Sunday to raise funds for Movember.
Mr Kilday said men's mental health was particularly important in emergency services.
"My close relative was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, so we want to raise money for research as a part of Movember and also raise awareness around men's mental health and the importance of speaking up," he said.
"It's particularly important in the case of people in emergency services. We want to also raise awareness on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and its impact on mental health.
"So this Sunday we'll be running from south beach in Port Fairy to the surf club in Warrnambool. We've measured it out, it's a marathon."
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Firefighter Macilwain said he would never let Mr Kilday go it alone.
"I jumped on board and it was important I didn't let Ben do it himself," he said.
"It was really in support of him and his interest in the mental health side of things. Movember is a really good campaign and whatever information out there for blokes to be more enlightened on the subject is important.
"I've been through a marathon before and I know it's probably going to hurt at some point in time, but I'm confident Kilday will make it and I'll just be dragged along for the ride."
While he previously worked in the fitness industry, Mr Kilday had never completed a marathon.
"I've worked in the fitness industry in the past and I've always been a runner, but I've never completed a marathon before," he said.
"But I feel pretty good about it. I'm confident I'll be able to get there."
Anyone wishing to make a donation to Mr Kilday and Mr Macilwain's fundraiser can do so here.
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