WHO WE ARE
“25 STAY ALIVE is a preventative health movement which educates and inspires younger people to be proactive with their health.
25 is the new 50. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Go get checked!”
Why 25?
Just like when you turn 18, 21 and 30, turning 25 is a milestone. It’s when you start becoming more responsible, you might be starting your first fulltime job, moving to a new city, renting, managing finances and navigating your way through life. Often your health isn’t a priority… but it should be.
The best investment you can make in your 20s is in yourself, because the health foundation you build during this decade will help shape the rest of your life. Annual health checks-up with a GP should be the norm. An early diagnosis will give you the best chance of tackling any issues before they develop into anything more serious, giving yourself the best chance of a long, happy, and healthy life.
Preventive healthcare is one of the key roles of a GP and our vision is that when you turn 25, you are sent an information package which will include a list of local GPs and a 5-point checklist to take to your complimentary consultation.
Hugo's Story
If you didn’t know me, you would assume that I was your typical everyday young Australian. And yes, from the outside, I appear to be exactly that. However, the last 10 years of my life have been everything BUT normal. I am missing a testicle, part of my reproductive system, all of my abdominal lymph nodes, my large bowel, my rectum and part of my small bowel. Not only have I survived both testicular cancer and bowel cancer, but I have also had ongoing battles with my mental health. Yet despite all of this, I am more determined than ever to use what he has gone through to save lives.
— Captain Hugo Toovey, Founder 25 Stay Alive
Meet The Team
Hugo Toovey
Founder
Hugo Toovey is the founder of
25 STAY ALIVE and a Captain in the Australian Army. In 2013, Hugo’s life drastically changed when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. As well as fighting (and beating) testicular cancer, Hugo was also diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018. 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.
izzy smith
Podcast Co-Host
Izzy Smith is a medical doctor, Movember ambassador, and exercise enthusiast with a passion for normalising discussions around mental health. As a result of losing her Dad to cancer, Izzy believes we need to shift cultural attitudes that support people, and is an advocate for men being proactive with their health. Izzy has an engaging social media presence and continually educates and inspires people to look after their own wellbeing.
Izzy is also the co-host of the brand new podcast series, BEHIND THE UNIFORM.
Nick lee
Advocate
Nick Lee is an ambassador and advocate for 25 STAY ALIVE. He established the Jodi Lee Foundation in honour of Jodi Lee, who lost her battle with bowel cancer at age 41. Since 2010 the Jodi Lee Foundation has been on a mission to empower people to take active steps to prevent bowel cancer, act quickly on symptoms and live healthy lives.
They are the leading voice for bowel cancer prevention.
DAHLIA MATKOVIC
Ambassador
Dahlia was just 27 years old and the healthiest she had ever been when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Dahlia is on a mission to connect with fellow young bowel cancer patients around the world with ‘Chemo Themeo’ documenting her chemotherapy treatments, dressing up as Marilyn Monroe, Evil Chem-Evil, a lifesaver and more to help bring good humour and smiles whilst undergoing treatment. She regularly shows her ileostomy bag on Instagram to educate, break the stigma and normalise her life.
Dahlia says that she wants to encourage people, no matter their age, that if there is something not quite right to seek medical help.
DR LANE
Resident GP
Dr Lane is currently the Principal GP and owner at The Health Hub Family GP in the seaside suburb of Glenelg and the Founder and CEO of Community GP.
In 2018 Dr Lane launched Community GP, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to improve access to GP services for South Australians in need.
In the mental health space, Dr Lane worked for 18 months as a medical officer for Southern ACIS/Inner South Community Mental Health, based at Marion, where he provided emergency assessments.
Dr Lane has regular speaking engagements where he discusses numerous topics surrounding adolescent health, men’s health, sexual health and HIV.
Milly ALBERS
Creative Advisor
Milly Toovey is 25 STAY ALIVE's creative officer and is helping her brother's vision come to life by creating a strong, simple and powerful brand.
Milly is inspired by people with big dreams that improve lives all over the world and is so passionate about making 25 STAY ALIVE a global movement.
MILCO Design is her side-hustle at night, and during the day, she's known as the Marketing Magician at South Australia's leading disability care provider, SACARE.