The family of a much-loved Noosa man is keeping his legacy – and his ability to grow a pretty impressive moustache – alive as they hope to make a difference in the realm of men’s health.
Michael Sobey was a well-known lawyer, member of local cricket, rugby clubs, and community groups and a proud advocate of the annual Movember fundraiser.
Sporting a series moustache styles over about 15 years, he raised almost $60,000 for the campaign’s causes.
Sadly, after a brave and private two-year journey with bowel cancer, Michael died in February at the age of 50, leaving behind his wife and three children.
In honour of his contributions, Michael’s son, Nick Sobey, told Sunshine Coast News this year would be a bittersweet campaign with the launch of the Michael Sobey Memorial.
“Dad was always very much a charitable person,” Nick, who also annually grows a mo during November, said.
“He had significant relationships with local community housing group Coast 2 Bay, as well as local cricket clubs and rugby clubs so (Movember) was another avenue he could help.
“As it turns out, he could grow a pretty good moustache when he tried.”
Over the years the former director of SPM Law went from fundraising amongst family, friends and work colleagues, to hosting successful long lunches on Noosa’s Hasting Street.
As well as continuing the Movember tradition, Nick said this year would also be an opportunity to shine a light on bowel cancer awareness, research and treatment.
“Bowel cancer doesn’t get the same attention of other cancers,” Nick said.
“It’s not as heavily funded and we want to drum up cash to fund better treatment options.
“The treatment my dad went though, it was pretty horrific. There are only limited specialist treatments and it is very harsh on the body.
“We hope this can help make someone else’s journey a little bit easier or a better outcome than dad, whether that be an extra five years, 10 years or into remission.”
Michael was diagnosed prior to the age of 50 – the age the government sends out at-home testing kits – and Nick said it also served as a reminder to have regular medical check-ups with a GP.
This also tied in with Movember key messaging around mental health, prostate and testicular cancer awareness and to check in with yourself and your mates.
“I remember sitting with dad not long after his 50th birthday and he checked the mail and his testing kit had arrived. It was a little bit late for him unfortunately,” Nick said.
“We want to drum up awareness that people do get a diagnosis under the age of 50 and that just because the recommended testing age is 50 that it’s not something you should avoid or just wait for the test to arrive.
“Hopefully, people can take it as a reminder to check in with a mate or check in with yourself if you’re a little overdue for a check-up with a GP.”
As part of Movemeber, Nick, along with younger brother Paddy Sobey and Michael’s brother Todd Sobey, are each growing a mo for the memorial fundraiser.
More information or to donate to the Michael Sobey Memorial is available here, or support the Sobey’s fundraiser for Bowel Cancer Australia here.
About Movember
Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.
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