Hugo Toovey is a 26-year-old Captain in the Australian Army. In 2013, Hugo’s life drastically changed when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. This resulted in surgery to remove his testicle, months of chemotherapy, and very invasive surgery to remove all of his abdominal lymph nodes. As well as fighting (and beating) testicular cancer, Hugo was also diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018. This resulted in 3 weeks in hospital and 2 major operations – which included having his colon removed which was riddled with cancer. If it wasn’t for early detection, Hugo’s chance of survival would have been very different.

Hugo has a very positive outlook on life and is committed in helping others in whatever way he can. Hugo wants to raise awareness to others that they are not invincible in their 20s and 30s, and a simple check up at the Doctor’s may just save their life. These life threatening adversities has led Hugo to starting an initiative “25StayAlive”. Don’t wait until 50 to start taking your health seriously. Being proactive and aware of your body at 25 will set you up for success later on in life.

The 25StayAlive podcast hosted by Hugo and another of our youth ambassadors, Dahlia, is engaging and filter-free. Nothing is off limits, so prepare yourself for tears, laughter and goosebumps. Listen here.