Franny’s Warriors dressing the part. Photo: Nikki Bailey.
Pink tutus, tiaras and fairy wings were the fashion of choice for many Esperance community members who took part in the Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) fundraiser last Sunday.
The event organised by Andrea Wynne attracted more than 415 people who raised funds for breast and ovarian cancer research.
It was an emotional morning for some locals whose families have been touched by cancer, while for others it was an opportunity to support a good cause.
Breast cancer survivor Julia McGregor has been participating in the MDC for 15 years.
On Sunday morning she walked for “Team Toasties”.
“I had breast cancer 10 years ago,” Ms McGregor said.
“Fortunately, it was dealt with fairly quickly through all this wonderful fundraising that people do and the treatment that’s available now and I’m fine now – touch wood – I hope I stay like that.”
Crystal Wiggins was part of a group of students and teachers representing Nulsen Primary School.
“It’s Mother’s Day, it’s a good cause and as a school we are here together to celebrate,” Ms Wiggins said.
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian women and the number of cases has increased dramatically since the 1980s.
Figures from the National Breast Cancer Foundation show 58 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
Research on the disease has led to significant improvements in treatment methods and early detection.
In Australia the survival rate has jumped from 79 per cent in the 1990s to 92 per cent today but more than 3,000 people still die from breast cancer each year.
For young Esperance man Harry Tobin, and local women Darcy Norwood and Trish Weckert, participating on Sunday was a way to honour family who were taken too soon.
Mr Tobin ran 8km for his mum who passed away from breast cancer three years ago.
Ms Norwood and her family were wearing pink t-shirts with the printed words “Trot for Trish”.
“My aunty passed away from cancer a couple of years ago so we do it every year just to remember her,” Ms Norwood said.
Ms Weckert was at the event with a large group to rally for several women in her family.
“We are here to support our mum and nanny and aunty through their breast cancer journey – we’ve got lots of ladies in the family to be honest,” Ms Weckert said.
“We’ve got all the grandkids here and we’re here to do a walk and a run, to get amongst it and support breast cancer.”
The MDC in Esperance was one of more than 70 events nationwide.
Fundraising through the MDC Esperance is still open until June 30.
