Two years ago, Akaroa firefighter Blake Thomson was diagnosed with testicular cancer, but early detection meant it was caught before it could spread. The 26-year-old has since made it an annual tradition to take on an arduous physical challenge in full firefighter gear, including breathing apparatus, to raise money for men’s health charity Movember. Thomson hopes to encourage more men to take care of their health and be proactive about getting checked if they notice something is not right.
On Saturday, he will take on his toughest challenge yet, summiting Mt Oxford in a trek involving more than 900 metres of vertical climbing over 5km. He will make the ascent wearing firefighting gear weighing about 25-30kg and reach an altitude of 1364m. Thomson was showering one night when he noticed an unusual lump on his right testicle. His immediate reaction was to get it checked the following day.
An ultrasound revealed a clear abnormality, with a dark, cloud-like shape showing up on the screen. He was referred to a urologist and booked in for surgery to have the testicle removed, which took place just 10 days after he first noticed the lump. He has been cancer-free ever since. “I’ve always been brought up that, if you’ve got any issues with your body or your head to go get it checked out,” he said.
A lot of people might notice something
“A lot of people might notice something and choose to do nothing about it for no apparent reason other than they just don’t want a doctor to check on their private parts. If it costs you your life, that’s kind of stupid. “I think it’s that classic New Zealand culture of she’ll be right. But, who is she and I don’t know if she’s right.” Blake Thomson during his 11km walk to the end of Lighthouse Rd in 2024.
He has raised more than $24,000 for Movember in the past two years, earning a place in the charity’s worldwide hall of fame. His fundraising efforts have also had a significant impact locally, prompting an influx of young men in Akaroa getting their testicles checked at the health centre. Thomson has been a volunteer firefighter for 11 years, following in the footsteps of his father, Mark, who is the current chief of the Akaroa brigade.
He works as a team leader for Pest Free, walking the hills to set traps for possums and stoats. He also spends his weekends hunting, which he hopes will put him in good stead for the challenge. A support crew will accompany him, carrying extra breathing apparatus cylinders, water and food to provide whenever needed. “It will be pretty tough, we’ll just take it as it comes and see how we go on the day but I reckon I’ll be able to knock it off,” he said.
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