2011 Whitsunday 'Run for a Cure'

 On Sunday July 24 more than 113 Whitsunday residents gave up their morning to ‘run for a cure’.

 Event organiser and Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ) volunteer Wendy Downes said it was great to see so many members of the community making a healthy start to the day and contributing to CCQ fundraising activities.

 “While you are walking or running, please take a moment to count your blessings that you are alive and well and able to do what you are doing this morning. Spare a thought for those who are not here because of that dreaded disease, cancer – and remember that whatever you do in life should be enjoyed to the full,” she told the crowd.

 Runners competed over 2.5, 5 and 10km courses following the Bicentennial Walkway, with awards for the winning male and female in each distance.

 Tri-athlete Luke “Hercules” Henry took out the 10km run in a time of just 37 minutes and 16 seconds, which Ms Downes described as “absolutely awesome”.

 At the other end of the race were ‘Team Irish’ consisting of Irish nationals Aoife Maher and Susan O’Dwyer, who came in last but said his was a great achievement considering, “six weeks ago we could barely run to the pub!”

 Running in memory of his mother was Josh Cotey. “My mum survived six-months of cancer before she passed away. If she can do that I can do this,” he said.

 Emcee John Powell said Sunday’s event was extremely well organised thanks to to the efforts of Wendy Downes, all the volunteers, “and all the people who turned up”.

 The 2011 Whitsunday ‘run for a cure’ raised $1,700 for CCQ. The largest school team, with six runners, was Proserpine High.