Fabulous fundraisers from all across the Hastings and beyond came together in a sea of pink for this year’s Mother’s Day Classic in Port Macquarie.
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The weather was sunny for the 5km run/walk from Westport Park to Town Beach and back.
Maureen McGovern said she and her friend, Robyn Martin did the parkrun together and they like to be active, so they came along to support a good cause.
“I’m running for my mother, who had cancer many years ago,” said Robyn.
“It’s important to support local events like this which bring the community together.”
Kathy and Ray Heagney from Bendigo in Victoria were on holiday in South West Rocks and made a point of coming to the event, because their daughter has cancer, so it’s very close to their hearts.
Organisers Carmen Abi-Saab and Kylie Bulmer were delighted to see so many people at the fourth year of the Mother’s Day Classic in Port Macquarie. It’s the 21st year of the event in Australia, and $33.2m has been raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which is purely funded by donations.
“We have had a great year, in terms of people registering to take part,” said Carmen.
“It’s double the numbers of runners from last year. We are very grateful to our sponsors – the Westport Club, and Phyx You Physio, BCU and Hem real estate agents.”
The two special ambassadors for the event, Jess Higgins and Bron Watson, told their moving stories of coping with a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“There is nothing more confronting than needing to sit your five children down and tell them you have breast cancer,” Bron said.
“You want nothing more than to tell them that it is all going to be okay, when the reality is we don’t know.
“But I am determined that this will not define me, and if my diagnosis has taught me anything it is that when faced with something like this, you suddenly see what is really important.”
Bron says she took part because she wanted to do her small bit to help the women coming after her. She finished her treatment 13 days ago.
“I feel great because every day is a good day. I have to take an anti-cancer tablet for the next ten years. I hope for the best because I can’t control the rest,” she said.
Jess Higgins, who’s also a mother, was 31 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.
“Even saying the words is still very mind-numbing. What keeps me going? As a mum, caring for your children is a number one priority,” said Jess.
Port Macquarie MP, Leslie Williams praised everyone who took part.
“We can all do more and stand together and walk together for cancer research,” she told the crowd.
Mayor Peta Pinson, who donated money from the Mayor’s discretionary fund, took part with her daughter, Ashleigh, and said it was so important to help save lives.
“What could be better on Mother’s Day?” she said.
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Letitia Fitzpatrick
Worked as a journalist and assistant producer for BBC news and current affairs in the UK, Ulster Television, Q Radio and the Irish News in Northern Ireland. Moved to Australia and joined Fairfax Media in 2016. Won a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship award in 2018 for reporting the Pappinbarra bushfires and the subsequent Rotary appeal which raised $30,000.
Worked as a journalist and assistant producer for BBC news and current affairs in the UK, Ulster Television, Q Radio and the Irish News in Northern Ireland. Moved to Australia and joined Fairfax Media in 2016. Won a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship award in 2018 for reporting the Pappinbarra bushfires and the subsequent Rotary appeal which raised $30,000.
