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The ‘Sea of Pink’ that swept through Brisbane and communities across Queensland today has raised an incredible $2,014,541 to support women fighting breast cancer.
Almost 23,500 people ran through Brisbane CBD for this year’s Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run presented by Queensland X-Ray.
There were joined by around 4,500 fun runners in Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Springfield, the Redlands and communities across regional Queensland.
This year’s Townsville event at Cluden Park racecourse was cancelled due to the tropical low affecting North Queensland, but the event’s 1500 registered participants are being encouraged to complete their own 5km fun runs when the weather clears.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said the $2m fundraising barrier was smashed as the first waves of fun runners left Vulture Street in South Brisbane to complete the 5km course, taking in the Story Bridge and ending in the City Botanic Gardens.
“More Queenslanders than ever before registered for this year’s Fun Run and we are grateful to each and every one of them,” Mr Thomas said.
“Across Queensland, tens of thousands of people came together as one to support women battling breast cancer.
“Thanks to the community’s massive support we have raised more than $2m to support women in their fight against breast cancer.
“It’s an incredible achievement. Every dollar raised will provide life-saving equipment, services and medical research to support women who are battling breast cancer now and in the future.
“The Fun Run is a celebration of the courageous women who face breast cancer, but it’s a day that has a lasting and positive impact on the care that patients receive.”
The Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run honours the 20,000 women, and 200 men, who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year.
One in every four Queensland breast cancer patients are treated at Mater hospitals in Brisbane, Springfield, Redlands, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton.
Donations to the Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run can still be made at www.womensdayfunrun.com.au.
