Wollongong’s Mother’s Day Classic has been renamed in honour of the inspirational woman who started it all.
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Wollongong GP Dr Margaret Gardiner lost her battle with breast cancer in March, but her legacy – and her push to find a cure – will endure.
Margaret’s Family Fun ‘n Run/ Walk will be held on May 14 – and organisers hope that in its 16th year the event will go from strength to strength.
NSW Cancer Council southern region spokesman Grant Plecas said the run had raised more than $750,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) since its inception. This year the fundraising goal is $50,000.
We will continue her amazing legacy, her quest to find a cure.
- Grant Plecas, NSW Cancer Council southern region
‘’We will continue her amazing legacy, her quest to find a cure,’’ Mr Plecas said.
‘’We’ve renamed the event in her honour in order to celebrate the amazing work Margaret has done for this event, and the difference she has made to her community overall.
‘’This year we will have pink tutus available for everyone to buy for $5 to signify Margaret’s colour, her vibrancy and her personality.’’
Dr Gardiner, who was the Illawarra ambassador for the NBCF, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She was diagnosed with secondary cancer, in her lung and bones in 2011, but continued to campaign for a cure.
Her sons Gerald, Edward and Dominic Riordan, and her brothers, will take part in this year’s fun run which starts at Stuart Park, North Wollongong.
Mr Plecas said all funds went towards research into the treatment, detection and prevention of breast cancer.
‘’The ongoing research by the NBCF provides hope to all those people on their breast cancer journey that one day there will be a cure. It also provides them with the opportunity to extend their lives because of the amazing treatments now available.’’
Event sponsors Robb Grubb of Professionals Wollongong Real Estate, and Brett and Rachel Magennus of Athlete’s Foot Wollongong, were on hand to launch the 2017 event at North Wollongong beach on Thursday.
‘’I was invited to a coffee meeting with Margaret 15 years ago and nearly didn’t go,’’ Mr Grubb said. ‘’But when I got there I didn’t want to leave because she’s just empowering.
‘’This year we’re going to use her strength to make it the best event ever and to celebrate her life and her dream to find a cure.’’
Register at www.mothersdayclassic.com.au
