A record $1.95 million has been raised to fight breast cancer thanks to today’s International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by National Storage.

More than 20,000 people – including breast cancer patients, Mater medical staff and the full Brisbane Broncos team – walked, jogged and ran 5km through Brisbane to raise money for breast cancer services, equipment and world-class research.

The figure smashed the previous record total of $1.75m raised in 2022.

Across Queensland and around Australia a further 3,500 people ran in their own communities in 275 ‘virtual’ fun run teams.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas thanked participants and supporters on behalf of cancer patients and the Mater medical professionals and researchers who support them across Queensland.

“Queenslanders have come together like never before to help fight breast cancer,” Mr Thomas said.

“This year has smashed the previous participation record of 13,500 people – and we’ve beaten the fund-raising record too.

“Every dollar donated by big-hearted Queenslanders will be used to improve support services for breast cancer patients, to buy equipment that will improve cancer treatment and to invest in research that will save lives.

“Mater Foundation applauds every walker, jogger and runner who joined the sea of pink across our state and we thank every Queenslander who has supported this fantastic cause.”

The event was an emotional occasion for Mater breast cancer patient Sarah Anderson, 31, of Coorparoo, Brisbane.

She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer last July and has undergone six months of chemotherapy at the Mater Cancer Care Centre in South Brisbane, as well as a bilateral mastectomy.

But this week she received news that she now has no evidence of the disease.

“It’s been a long journey, with lots of highs and lows, but I’ve got through it,” Sarah said.

“This is the best outcome I could have hoped for and I’m feeling amazing.

“It’s very, very special to be at the fun run today. It’s so heart-warming to see the sea of pink and so many people doing all they can to help fund better breast cancer treatment and more research.”

Donors can support women with breast cancer at www.fundraise.mater.org.au/event/funrun-2023/home