Hervey Bay Females unite on Mother’s Day to support breast cancer research

From about 7am on Mother’s Day morning, women across the Bay got their running shoes and pink outfits on, to support breast cancer research.

From about 7am on Mother’s Day morning, women across the Bay got their running shoes and pink outfits on, to support breast cancer research. Picture: Isabella Magee

For fitness, support, and as a challenge, about 100 locals attended the Hervey Bay Mother’s Day Classic event today, raising funds for breast cancer.

After last year’s event was turned virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year, mums, children and partners were flying through the Bay in bright pink from 7am.

Mandy Brindell with her two children - Blake, 5, and Bodhi, 3. Picture: Isabella Magee

Mandy Brindell told the Chronicle she started the run earlier in the morning than most but as she went on, more and more joined alongside her.

“It was really good ... I was thinking about why I do (the event) as I was running because I don‘t have anyone immediate that’s been affected by breast cancer, which I’m very lucky for, but there are lots of kids that wake up without their mums and dads like today,” Mandy said.

“I do it for them and all the women out there who have suffered and who are going through a battle at the moment.”

Martina Hallam and her son Owen Hallam, 7. Picture: Isabella Magee

Martina Hallam was on the organising committee for the event, and also volunteered on the day, as the event’s cause is close to her and her son Owen Hallam, 7.

“ I do it in memory of my nan who passed away from breast cancer,” Martina said.

“It has been really good this year that we’ve been able to get an actual race and not have a virtual race ... The committee is getting together to make it more to what it was before COVID by next year, to just have a bit more restrictions eased and create that Mother’s Day morning feeling.”

Eva Leak, 16, with her mum Sarah Leak. Picture: Isabella Magee

While Sarah Leak and her daughter Eva Leak, 16, have been training for the event to complete together on Mother’s Day morning.

“It was sweaty but it was good ... We‘re gonna go and have coffee and breakfast and probably sit around and chill,” Sarah told the Chronicle.

Hervey Bay Community Centre Weight Watchers coaches Kim Edwards and Paula Buckle. Picture: Isabella Magee

Whether they felt their bodies were capable or not, a variety of people jogged, ran or walked, this morning, including Hervey Bay’s Weight Watchers group.

And, between the 14 group members, Hervey Bay Weight Watchers coach Paula Buckle said they’ve lost about 135kg on their journey so far.

“We have bought a wonderful group of ladies today that are pushing for their comfort zones and doing something they’ve never done before and leaning on the group for support,” Paula told the Chronicle.

“We would never have expected to have had so many to come along today.

“We just wanted to give (these women) the opportunity to realise how awesome they are and that they can achieve these things ... They never thought they would be able to do anything like this.”

Furry friends joined in on the Mother's Day event, too! Picture: Isabella Magee

Originally published as Hervey Bay Females unite on Mother’s Day to support breast cancer research