While his players recovered from their 19-point loss to the Adelaide Crows on Sunday morning, Lions Senior Coach Michael Voss was helping raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research.

Voss, who has long been a supporter of the worthy cause, put his passion into action by participating in his first ever skydive at Redcliffe as part of Mater’s ‘jump for cancer’.

Voss was joined on the morning by some fellow ‘jumpers’ who had raised substantial funds for prostate cancer research.

As well as championing a terrific cause, the event also helped put the Lions’ disappointing start to the AFL season into some perspective.

“Obviously we’re here for a great cause, and that’s to raise money for prostate cancer research,” Voss said.

“It’s an important project that Mater is undertaking, so I encourage everyone to make sure that they donate and help out where they can.”

“One of the guys I dove with today has had prostate cancer, so it was a very real experience for him.”

“The most important part is that we raise awareness out of this – and not only contribute towards the research, but also make sure you get your health checks done at the same time.”

The skydiving experience itself was one that Voss would have no hesitation in doing again at some stage.

“I’d do it again – no worries at all,” he said.

“The first 10 seconds were pretty intense.”

“I just don’t think anything prepares you for when you roll out the door. But once you start to take it all in, you just enjoy the ride.”

“Once the parachute opens, that’s when you start to feel a little bit safer.”

Prostate cancer is a devastating disease that affects many families. Current screening methods can be inaccurate and treatment is invasive. Research is the key to improved diagnosis methods and enhanced treatment.

Mater researchers at Mater Medical Research Institute (MMRI) have been studying how a man’s own immune system can be stimulated to fight prostate cancer. They want to understand the molecular events underpinning prostate cancer—how it starts and spreads around the body. This includes the cancer spreading to the bones which is one of the most common areas for cancer to spread and currently bone cancer is incurable.

One team of MMRI scientists are working to identify what genes and proteins predispose men to developing prostate cancer with the goal of informing future generations of men, early in life, about their risks. Another team are exploring how prostate cancer cells protect themselves in response to treatments with the view to developing strategies to sensitise cancers to therapy.

You can still donate to Vossy's jump at www.everydayhero.com.au/michael_voss