On Sunday, 30 April 2023, Lalor Running Club (LRC) completed yet another successful running event, raising over $4,000 for Northern Health Foundation. All funds will be directed to Northern Health Cancer Services, to continue supporting our patients and ensuring comfortability throughout their treatments.

Kirsty Branagan, LRC committee member and coach, has been organising these fundraising efforts for Northern Health for the last few years. In January 2020, Kirsty was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer, undergoing her own treatment right here at Northern Health. She was cared for by a wonderful medical team, and supported by her club mates, throughout her treatments and surgeries.

The club has been supporting Northern Health Foundation since 2020, and in 2021, they decided to make this a formalised annual running event due to its success and ongoing support from the local community.

“Lalor Running Club believes strongly in the importance of community, and the value of a community working together. When I was diagnosed with cancer back in 2020, the club stepped up and made a commitment to fundraise for Northern Health Foundation as we could see the direct benefit of the research and support which was being funded by the foundation,” said Kirsty.

“As the years have gone on, we have had two more members diagnosed, treated and in remission for cancer, all thanks to the amazing work of the Northern Health Cancer Services team.”

With an amazing turnout of 67 runners, with the last runner completing 35 laps, totalling an incredible 56km distance, the event finally came to a finish in the afternoon. The funds raised for this event will not only help cancer patients at Northern Health, but will support their families, knowing their loved one is getting the best possible treatment.

“We are looking forward to our 2024 event and can’t wait to see how far our entrants can run, and how much money we can raise for Northern Health Foundation.”

To keep updated on latest news and community events, follow Northern Health Foundation on social media or join the 2024 LRC DNF Ultra event to help raise funds for a valuable cause.

Kirsty Branagan, LRC committee member and coach (middle)