Unicorn Unites Community Against Breast Cancer

Mater

The mythical unicorn has been spotted trotting the streets of Chandler in Brisbane's South-East.

The fantastic beast - also known as Cloud - is one of the more unusual participants in this year's International Women's Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-Ray, which is raising money for breast cancer research, services and equipment across the state.

Cloud is owned by Chandler resident Vera Gentner and joined the team when neighbour Candice Crawford along with some other locals decided to hold a "virtual" fun run in and around Warriewood Street.

"One of the great things about living in Chandler is how tight knit the community is – it's obviously a magical place!" Candice said.

"A group of friends who couldn't get to the main International Women's Day Fun Run in Brisbane on Sunday decided to put a team together and hold our own 'virtual' event closer to home.

"It seems like everyone has a breast cancer connection.

"We know the unicorn is supposed to have the power to heal sickness, so when we realised there was one living among us willing to join the team, it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss!"

Candice admitted there may have been some horseplay regarding Cloud's unicorn status.

"If you look closely at Cloud, it might become apparent that the horn is a little wobbly," she laughed.

"The hot pink mane and love heart markings may have been sprayed on too.

"She definitely brought a bit of magic to the team however – we've raised $827 and counting!"

The Warriewood Street crew (view their fundraising page here) are one of hundreds of fun run teams across Queensland holding virtual events for the International Women's Day Fun Run.

A record-breaking 'Sea of Pink' will flood Brisbane CBD and communities across Queensland this Sunday (March 10) for the fun run.

Close to 23,000 runners, joggers and walkers will complete the 5km course from South Brisbane to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens to raise money for breast cancer research, services and equipment.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said this year's International Women's Day Fun Run would be the biggest in the 33-year history of the event.

"The International Women's Day Fun Run is Queensland's biggest breast cancer fund-raising event," Mr Thomas said.

"More than 26,000 people will be running and walking in the 'Sea of Pink' to support the 20,000 Australian women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

"Queenslanders have got behind this year's fun run like never before. Across the state, more than 2,700 teams are running – from Logan to Longreach and from Cairns to Caloundra.

"Teams are running to remember women who have lost their lives to breast cancer – but they're celebrating the women who have beaten breast cancer too. It's going to be a very emotional day for many."

Funds from the event will be used to support 15 breast cancer research studies at Mater Research, based in South Brisbane.

Funds will also be used to provide personalised services and state-of-the-art equipment for breast cancer patients at Mater hospitals in Brisbane, Springfield, Redlands, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

One in every four Queensland women with breast cancer is treated at a Mater hospital.

More than $1.4m has already been raised and Mater Foundation is aiming to break the $1.75m barrier this weekend.

There's still time to register a virtual fun run team or make a donation – just go to www.womensdayfunrun.com.au

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