Eighteen staff at Mackay transport and logistics business Centurion stepped up to fight breast cancer when they joined the International Women’s Day Fun Run – presented by National Storage – last Sunday March 12.
They were part of a strong contingent of virtual participants supporting a record 20,000 runners, joggers and walkers lining up at the main event in Brisbane.
Dan Pustkuchen, Centurion’s North Queensland Regional Manager, says his team didn’t have to think twice about signing up, and had planned their path along the Pioneer River prior to the virtual event.
“A couple of our colleagues have been diagnosed with breast cancer over the past few months,” Mr Pustkuchen said.
“They’re both tough ladies, but you don’t fully realise the impact it has on someone until you see them go through treatment – the emotional toll it takes.
“So, for us, this is about trying to raise awareness of what breast cancer patients go through, how we can help and how others can too.
“And if we can help one person, then this is worth it.”
Centurion’s team, ‘Another Bad Idea’, raised more than $1,000, as has fellow Mackay contingent ‘Team Joyce’. The International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by National Storage, raises money for Mater Foundation to fund new equipment, services, and research for breast cancer patients across Queensland.
It’s a cause close to Susan Cameron’s heart. The Registered Nurse at Mater Private Hospital Mackay travelled from Mackay to Brisbane to take part in the big event.
“I decided to do it because my mum had breast cancer and is in remission at the moment,” Ms Cameron said.
“My sister also had breast cancer, as did my great grandmother, her sister and my cousin – there is a long family history of it.
“Everyone is touched by it at some point in their life.
“I think it’s important to show your support where you can, whether it is in person in Brisbane or virtually from afar, or by making a donation to help advance research, because it really does make a difference.”
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas said the fund-raising target for this year’s fun run was $1.75m, which will enable Mater to provide personalised support services for breast cancer patients, purchase more state-of-the-art equipment to better diagnose breast cancer and invest in life-saving breast cancer research.
“The response from the community this year has been overwhelming, with a record 20,000 people joining our main fun run,” Mr Thomas said.
“Every dollar raised will help women fighting breast cancer.”
Centurion’s International Women’s Day Fun Run team
Mater Private Hospital Mackay staff (from left) Susan Cameron, Beth Thomas (Executive Officer), Carol O’Brien, Sarah Tomisson and Nikita Hoare
