Mother's Day Classic's goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030

The Mother's Day Classic - an annual walk or run for breast cancer research - will be held this year on May 8. Founded in 1998 by Louise Davidson and the late Mavis Robertson, and initiated through Women in Super, the event has raised over $27 million to date and has funded more than 30 research projects. With the event now established as Australia's largest fundraiser for breast cancer research, Industry Moves asks Louise how it all began and finds out why this year's aim of raising funds towards a goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030, is especially important to her.

What was the impetus for the Mothers Day Classic?

I was inspired to start the Mother's Day Classic because my mum died of breast cancer when she was only 52. I saw firsthand how devastating the disease is. My friend and mentor, Mavis Robertson (pictured left), saw a similar event in the US and brought the idea back. Through Women in Super, we set about starting the event here.

What have been the challenges as the event has grown?

Challenges have included the sheer numbers in some locations - up to 40,000 people at the Melbourne event. Also keeping volunteers motivated and coming back year after year. Some years, the weather poses a challenge - whether it is heavy rain and strong winds in Southern Australia, or the heat up in Darwin and Cairns!

What have been the highlights for you?

It is amazing to have seen the event grow so much - from modest beginnings in 1998 when we had 3000 people in Melbourne and Sydney, to a national event with over 100,000 people. I've also met some extraordinary people along the way - the courage of some of our participants is humbling. And then of course there is the money raised for breast cancer - over $27 million so far!

What do you feel the greatest achievement has been in the area of breast cancer research since 1998?

Eighteen months ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself. I was struck by how much everything had changed since I looked after my mum when she had the disease. There have been huge steps forward in diagnostics, in imaging, in surgery, in radiotherapy and in chemotherapy. So much progress, and yet still so much to do! My hope is that by the time my 3 girls get to their late thirties they wont need to worry about breast cancer.

Click here to register for the 2016 Mother's Day Classic.