A record number of 100,000 Australians chose to dedicate their Mother’s Day morning to raising funds for breast cancer research by walking or running in Mother’s Day Classic events across the nation.
“The support from everyone across the country is amazing and the growth in numbers each year demonstrates the willingness of the community to embrace the breast cancer cause and this event,” Louise Davidson, National Chair of the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic committee said. “It is a truly memorable and fun way to enjoy this special day.”
Thousands of people in each state rose early to walk or run round the Mother’s Day Classic scenic courses with their friends, families, colleagues and a host of famous faces including, Governor-General and Mother’s Day Classic Patron, Ms Quentin Bryce AC; Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard; Premiers from Victoria, NSW and Queensland; Deputy Federal Opposition leader, Julia Bishop; Kate Ceberano; Jane Fleming; Melinda Gainsford-Taylor; Duncan Armstrong and the Australian Girls Choir. The Prime Minister also sent a message of support to organisers, Women in Super and committed to investing in breast cancer care and research (click here).
From the largest events in Melbourne with 40,000 and Sydney events with 18,000 to 65 people in Stanthorpe Queensland, The Mother’s Day Classic brings the whole community together to remember those lost to breast cancer, to support those fighting the disease and to celebrate the survival of so many strong women. The Mother’s Day Classic also attracts thousands of people who want to get fit and raise money for a worthy cause, and families who enjoy spending this special morning walking or running together.
Tribute cards worn by participants, dedicated to loved ones affected by breast cancer, are a poignant reminder that one in nine Australian women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.
The Mother’s Day Classic was held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Parramatta and Sydney’s Domain plus 23 regional events across the country. The event has grown since 1998 when 3,000 people participated, to this year’s record of 100,000 across Australia. A total of $5.7 million has been raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research programs into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. The 2010 total will be updated when fundraising closes on May 31.
Organised by: Women in Super, a group that provides educational and networking opportunities for women in the superannuation and finance industries, created the event to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Major sponsor: ME Bank has proudly supported the Mother’s Day Classic as the major sponsor for six consecutive years, and has donated an additional $55,000 directly to the NBCF through its Go the Extra Step with ME pedometer campaign over the past two years
