In the pink for giant fundraiser

Clad in sequinned bras, bright leotards and fairy wings, Port Hedland residents gathered at the Civic Centre Gardens on Sunday for the Mother’s Day Classic fundraiser for national breast cancer research.

The event invited people to celebrate Mother’s Day while raising funds to fight the disease.

Mining town residents gathered at the picturesque Civic Centre for the 2021 event with a virtual fun-run or walk on offer for others around the country because of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

Since its inception, the Mother’s Day Classic has raised $37.95 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which funds lifesaving research.

One in seven women is said to be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, with eight Australians dying every day from the disease.

Port Hedland’s event ambassador and cancer survivor Sarah Croft said participation in the day raised awareness of the importance of health check-ups.

“Nearly everyone’s touched in some way by cancer, whether that’s a family member or friend,” she said.

“I think checking yourself is really important.

“I never did that and it was just a coincidence that I found a lump.

“I was one of the lucky ones. They got all my cancer so now I’m cancer-free, but some people have to go through chemo and radiation which is ongoing.”

Funds from the event will go towards fighting cancer.

Cancer Council 13 11 20