Sneakers hit the footpath at the Stockton foreshore early on Sunday morning as runners raised money for breast and ovarian cancer. Unlike last year's downpour, the sun was shining bright and about 800 participants filtered through for the 8am run, and 8.30am and 9.30am walk at the Newcastle Mother's Day Classic. The fundraising event, which was brought back to Newcastle in 2022, raises money for life-saving research into breast and ovarian cancer.
As 13-year-old Matthew Ramage crossed the finishing line, he was thinking of his mother, Alison, who died from breast cancer last year. 'I'm here to show how strong she was, and she taught me how to be strong,' he said. Mr Ramage was surrounded by his family, all running or walking for Team Ali. 'It is such a great fundraiser and I can't wait to be back here in the future raising funds for breast cancer,' he said.
Tighan Tosen ran with her daughters Scarlett Tosen, 13, and Chelsea Tosen, ten. She said she had been doing the run since it started and she was doing it in honour of her grandmother who died from ovarian cancer and her cousin who had battled breast cancer. 'I have two girls and I want a world where that is not going to impact them,' she said. Chelsea said she liked to run with her mother and sister for her great-grandmother. 'She was very kind and she got cancer, so we try to run every time it comes on,' she said.
Decked head-to-toe in pink, Kim Keating was with her running group Bay Buddha Babes. 'My mother-in-law had breast cancer and some of these beautiful girls have had breast cancer, and I think it is important to show solidarity and support,' she said.
Community organiser Jaclyn Mottram has been involved in the event since it started in Newcastle five years ago. She said this year's event had raised more than $55,000 for research, with donations open until July. Ms Mottram said they had a lot of volunteers helping set up this year and everyone was having a great time. 'Mother's Day can be really hard for people who have gone through either [breast and ovarian cancer] or had family members go through it,' she said. 'It gives people a purpose on a day that can be really hard.' The Newcastle event had raised more than $250,000 since it started, she said. 'We have such an amazing community and group of people that just want to give back to the cause,' she said. To donate, visit the Mother's Day Classic website.
