General News
10 May, 2025
Horsham rallies for Mother's Day classic
For 16 years, the Horsham community has united in pink to raise funds and awareness for breast and ovarian cancer research through the annual Mother's Day Classic.
At the heart of this year's event is local organiser Jackie Exell, whose passion stems from a deeply personal place: her grandmother's breast cancer journey.
Jackie's grandmother, Hazel Exell, was diagnosed in 1975 at just 50 years of age.
Growing up, Jackie knew her as "someone with one breast and what she called 'one fat arm and one skinny arm'" due to lymphedema.
But it wasn't until Jackie became involved in the Classic that they had their first real conversation about the diagnosis.
Now aged 100, Jackie's grandmother continues to inspire her commitment.
"Grandma is one of the lucky ones," Jackie said.
"You would be lucky to find someone who doesn't have a friend or family member who has been affected.
"Even on our small committee of four people, we all have a connection."
Jackie first joined the event as a personal fitness goal with a friend, raising funds along the way.
In 2015 she was named as a community ambassador and, after crossing the finish line that year, she was invited to join the organising committee.
Since 2009 Horsham's Mother's Day Classic has drawn around 300 participants annually.
Behind the scenes is a small but dedicated committee: Jackie, whose grandmother survived breast cancer; Janine, a breast cancer survivor herself; Kay, whose sister-in-law survived ovarian cancer; and Lesley, who has friends affected by the disease.
"I give back in the hope that there can be improvements made in early detection and treatment for both breast and ovarian cancer," Jackie said.
Jackie also encouraged the community to participate in the event and the research.
"As a community, coming together for the Horsham Mother's Day Classic is incredibly powerful," she said.
"It's more than just a fun run or walk; it's a chance for us to stand together in support of those affected by breast and ovarian cancer.
"Every step we take and every dollar we raise goes directly towards life-saving research, and that research is so important because it brings us closer to a future where no one has to go through the heartbreak of a diagnosis.
"It's a day filled with hope, strength and the belief that we can make a real difference together."
Their shared goal remains clear: to honour those affected, support each other and contribute to life-changing research.
The Mother's Day Classic will be held at Horsham Soundshell in Sawyer Park this Sunday, May 11.
The gates will open at 8am, formalities will commence at 8.45am and the walk will start at 9am.
Organisers also have prizes for the best-dressed team and individual and best fundraiser team and individual, as well as spot prizes for attendees.
The money raised by the event will support breast and ovarian cancer research in 2025.
