Lauren Philpot, 24, is raising awareness for a cause very close to her heart having lost her mother, Leigh, to breast cancer.
A lifelong Maribyrnong resident, Lauren is a passionate crusader for breast cancer research having raised more than $142,000 for the Mother’s Day Classic over the past four years.
Lauren’s mum, Leigh, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2017, just five months after her 50th birthday. She beat it only for the cancer to return in April 2021, as Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer.
In 2021 Lauren formed, The Leigh Leigh’s to take part in their first Mother’s Day Classic. Around 50 of Lauren and Leigh’s family and friends donned their sneakers to participate in the MDC location at Flemington Racecourse and raised an incredible $15,800 for their efforts.
The following year, Lauren put her hand up to become an ambassador for MDC. She pushed her Mum in her wheelchair around the MDC’s biggest location at The Tan, with the group raising $8,500.
In 2023, Leigh could not make the start line for the Mother’s Day Classic as she was in hospital. Lauren, her brother Max and The Leigh Leighs Facetimed when they crossed the finish line. That year they raised $30,600.
“One of the last events Mum ever attended was the Mother’s Day Classic Media Launch,” Lauren said.
“A few weeks later, she cheered The Leigh Leigh’s on Mother’s Day from her hospital bed only to pass away a couple days after that.
“Don’t cry, she would tell me. She was afraid, but so incredibly brave.
“She kept fighting to stay alive, even when her body had already shut down.”
Leigh sadly passed away in May 2023.
“My Mum and I had a wish that we still share, zero deaths caused by Breast Cancer by 2030,” Lauren explained.
“For that to happen, there needs to be more funds going towards research.”
Last year Lauren led The Leigh Leigh’s in Leigh’s legacy, supporting others going through the same thing. More than 100 participants walked in Leigh’s honour, raising $16,200.
This year Lauren is stepping up to host a Mother’s Day Classic event at Maribyrnong, one of 85 locations that will take place on Sunday, May 11. Lauren, a lifetime resident of the area, will stage an MDC event on the banks of Maribyrnong River starting/finishing at Coulson Gardens.
The location will play host to a festival hub including market, entertainment and food trucks.
“The Maribyrnong River is very special to me. It’s a place where Mum and I walked everyday during COVID. Walking the river was the highlight of our day. It wasn’t just because we got out of the house. It was because we would share a special time together and just talk.
“We have lived in Maribyrnong my whole life. Our family has been affiliated with lots of different clubs and communities in the area.
“Sport has also been a major part of our lives, including the Maribyrnong Park FC,Williamstown VFL FC and Rosamond Bowling Club.
“The local community has been so generous supporting this cause and all are behind our MDC event.”
The Mother’s Day Classic is primed for another record-breaking year, with organisers announcing a renewed commitment to funding research to reduce deaths and improve survival for breast and ovarian cancer.
Every day in Australia 63 people are diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. Every day 12 people die from those two diseases.
Lauren’s team has already $71,000 raised, with a goal of reaching $100,000 in 2025.
“When I decided to run this event, not only did I want to raise money and awareness for breast and ovarian cancer. I wanted to promote community engagement. So, I am doing that by bringing two councils, numerous clubs, and communities together. Everyone is welcome, dogs too!”
Participants can contest the 8km run 8:30am or 4km walk at 9:30am. Hosted by The Leigh Leigh’s.
You can register at mothersdayclassic.com.au
