FORGOING a Mother’s Day sleep in, superhero mums in pink capes, families and friends gathered at the Valley Lake on Sunday morning for the annual Mother’s Day Classic.
Around 200 locals dressed in vibrant shades of pink to “walk all over” breast cancer, joining thousands of registered participants at events nation wide.
Mount Gambier Mother’s Day Classic committee member Peter Collins said this year’s fun run was among 92 events held across Australia.
“This is the 20th year of the Mother’s Day Classic nationally and there is an event in every capital city and in 81 regional locations,” Mr Collins said.
“We are in our ninth year here and it’s fantastic to see so many families celebrating Mother’s Day with a walk or run around the course to support breast cancer research.”
Vocalist Alison Newman performed an original song she had composed for the event, before the crowd paused to reflect on the impact of breast cancer during one minute silence.
Guest speaker Margie Atwell provided insight into her role as a local breast care nurse.
“We travel from Port MacDonnell to Keith and everywhere in between and primarily we support men and women with breast cancer,” Ms Atwell said.
“We offer emotional support, physical support, referrals and sometimes a shoulder to cry on for as long as they need it.
“My role is also to promote the importance of breast health and awareness to the community – early detection is the key to better outcomes.”
Ms Atwell said the annual fun run raised vital funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
“It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t been touched by breast cancer and support for the Mother’s Day Classic is a really positive way to overcome this insidious disease.
“The National Breast Cancer Foundation is 100pc community funded and funds raised today will contribute to ongoing research.
“Research has improved outcomes for people with breast cancer dramatically, I’ve seen that first hand in my role as a breast care nurse – we have a better understanding of the disease and more targeted therapies.”
Including an $830 contribution raised by sisters Kelsie Atwell and Caitlin Grubb, the fun run raised over $7,000 for the foundation.
