Classic event in doubt

Less than three months out from the annual bright pink event, the national body is still seeking community-based organisers to help get the Classic moving.

Mother’s Day Classic has raised more than $33.2 million across Australia for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s work into breast cancer prevention and treatment in the past 21 years.

This included a $15,000 effort from Ballarat participants by Lake Wendouree on a cold Mother’s Day last year.

MDC chief executive officer Sharon Morris said past organisers were happy to do a handover, and help on the day, with support from the MDC team.

“The Ballarat event is such a fantastic one, and receives so much community support it would be a shame for it to not go ahead,” Ms Morris said. “Some of our most successful years have been driven by the great support we receive from our regional events. And I expect this year to be no different, our regional events are organised by some of our most passionate and community focused volunteers.”

Ms Morris said one in eight Australian women were diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and MDC played a vital role in raising funds for research.

More than 1000 pink-clad walkers and joggers, rugged up and turned up for the ninth annual Ballarat Mother’s Day Classic last May.

Most did so in support or to remember a loved one.

Pauline Hennessy told The Courier on race day that completing the walk was equally challenging as it was rewarding. Her daughter Sarah Bennett died in 2015 after a two-year battle with a rare form of breast cancer. She was aged 36.

Sarah’s three daughters walked with Ms Hennessy holding a giant poster of their mum. The youngest, Charli, said it was “taking Mum for a walk on Mother’s Day”.

There are more than 400 MDC events across Australia each year.

For more details to help host the Ballarat event, email MDC regional manager Emma Neely: regionalevents@mothersdayclassic.com.au.