Australian boxing legend Jeff Horn and his new training buddy ‘Bec the Boob’ are getting ready for a bout against breast cancer.
The former welterweight world champion and Bec – aka Dr Rebecca Langdon – will both be hitting the streets of Brisbane on March 10 for the International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-ray.
This year’s event will be the biggest ever following unprecedented demand to join Brisbane’s Sea of Pink.
A record 23,000 people will hit the streets of the city on March 10 after Mater Foundation decided to increase the breast cancer fundraising event’s capacity from 20,000 last year.
And even with an extra 3000 places, the iconic 5km fun run still sold out in a record 25 days.
With less than three weeks to go, Mr Horn is calling on Queenslanders across the state to create or join ‘virtual’ funs runs in their communities.
The virtual challenge allows people to walk, jog or run 5km, or choose their own distance, in their neighbourhood any time between Sunday 3 March and Sunday 10 March.
Mr Horn, a father of three young girls, said he wanted to show his support to women who have been diagnosed with the disease.
“Sadly, we all know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Mr Horn said.
“Women are strong, and they fight hard when they are faced with a battle against cancer, and I want to help raise awareness in honour of these women.”
Mr Horn will be taking part in the virtual event around his neighbourhood proudly wearing the iconic pink fun run t-shirt.
Funds from the event will go towards life-saving breast cancer research, as well as services and support for breast cancer patients at Mater hospitals in Brisbane, Springfield, Redlands, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.
Brisbane researcher Dr Rebecca Langdon, also known as ‘Bec the Boob’ will be among a record 23,000 people hitting the streets of Brisbane on Sunday 10.
This will be the sixth year Dr Langdon, from Strathpine, is taking part in the event, running in a giant inflatable breast.
“Cancer is scary, but somehow an enormous breast seems to bring joy and laughter – who knew!” Dr Langdon said.
“I take part each year in memory of my friend Tara Simmons, as well as other women in my life who have been diagnosed with or impacted by breast cancer.
“Tara had noticed changes in her breast and followed this finding up. This led to a diagnoses of stage three multifocal ductal carcinoma, which ended up being triple negative in type.
“Triple negative breast cancers are very aggressive with very few targeted treatment options.
“Unfortunately for Tara, her cancer metastasised and she died shortly before her 35th birthday in 2019. This year would have been her 40th birthday.
“I’m inspired by the researchers who dedicate their careers in advancing breast cancer treatment and care; the doctors, nurses, and medical staff to care and treat patients.
“I’m inspired also by the donors themselves, choosing to give money towards this wonderful cause.
“Research is expensive, there are few options that currently exist for treating specific types of cancer like triple negative breast cancer.
“The more time and money that we can invest into finding new treatments, the more lives we can save.”
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said thousands of Queenslanders have already thrown their support behind the virtual challenge after the Brisbane CBD event sold out in record time.
“This year’s event will be the biggest ever – and there’s still time for Queenslanders everywhere to sign up online to a fun run in their community,” Mr Thomas said.
“People are gathering their family, friends, work colleagues and even their fur babies to be part of their team.
“From local parks, along the coastline or even on a treadmill – the possibilities are endless.”
