Paint the Riverway Pink event to raise funds for National Breast Cancer Foundation

The first ever ‘Paint the Riverway Pink’ walk has been organised by Townsville local Jessica Walker, who sadly lost her best friend of 15 years to breast cancer 13 months ago.

Jess Walker pictured with her son James Walker, 10 months, has organised the Paint the Riverway Pink Fundraiser. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A Townsville park is set to turn pink on Sunday for an inaugural breast cancer fundraiser.

The first ever ‘Paint the Riverway Pink’ walk has been organised by Townsville‘s Jessica Walker, who sadly lost her best friend of 15 years, Heather, to breast cancer 13 months ago.

“She was only 40 years old. She battled through breast cancer on and off for about ten years,” Ms Walker said.

“I wanted to give back and do something because breast cancer is something that affects everyone. Everyone knows someone who has had it or been affected by it.”

Jessica Walker with her best friend Heather, who passed away of breast cancer.

“I thought the walk would be a good idea because it’s inclusive and something that brings people together. You can take a moment on the day before the walk starts to remember someone that’s passed or come along and wear pink just to be involved.”

Jess Walker pictured with her son James Walker, 10 months, has organised the Paint the Riverway Pink Fundraiser. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Determined to make a difference Ms Walker organised the 3.9km walk and is encouraging the community to wear pink and take part.

She said that she would love to make the walk an annual event and said Heather’s husband and two teenage sons, who live in Victoria, are locked in to attend next year.

Naomi Hamilton, James Walker, 10 months, Jess Walker, and Nick Walker have organised the Paint the Riverway Pink Fundraiser. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Ms Walker has also pledged to wear pink every day for the month of June, which she said has brought a smile to her clients in her work as a domestic cleaner.

“Even though pink is not my favourite colour, I have an abundance of pink clothes in my wardrobe,” she said.

“I have been wearing pink for the whole month and I’ve actually been turning up to work in a pink tutu to get a smile and a laugh out of people.”

Ms Walker also organised and sold gift bags to raise funds, with support from local Townsville businesses including Elite Care and Co and Blended Townsville.

She has also pledged that if she raises $5000 she will cut her long, curly hair into a pixie cut.

Paint the Riverway Pink will be held at Riverway Park on June 16th with prizes for best dressed. Families, kids and dogs are welcome and attendees are to meet at the Rainbow Serpent at 8:30am for a 9am start.

For more information visit the Paint the Riverway Pink event on Facebook.

Originally published as Paint the Riverway Pink event to raise funds for National Breast Cancer Foundation