Meet a fellow #TeamACRF fundraising superstar

Superstar Name: Lauren

Race: Ran in the Nike Melbourne Marathon 2025

Please tell us about yourself?

I am based on the NSW Central Coast and work for Central Coast Local Health District in both the Emergency Department and Hospital in the Home Team. After nearly two decades nursing, I have seen how much strength and resilience people show in the face of illness.

Outside of work, I’m part of the Terrigal Trotters running club and running has quickly become a way to clear my head. Training for my first marathon while raising vital funds for cancer research brought my personal and professional worlds together, it’s been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done.

Why have you decided to fundraise for ACRF? Has cancer personally affected you?

It began with loved ones facing cancer, people I care deeply about, and that feeling of helplessness that comes with wanting to do more. As a healthcare professional, I’m used to showing up for others, but sometimes the most you can do is be there. That’s what inspired me for this journey. I decided to run my first marathon for ACRF in honour of loved ones who have faced this battle, and to remind myself that strength and courage come in many forms.

As a runner, I see fundraising for ACRF as a continuation of the fight against cancer. Every stride I take is a reminder that we are pushing boundaries – for better prevention, treatment, and research. I see firsthand how far we’ve come as diagnoses can be far gentler than they once were, but there’s always more to do.

To make it even more personal, I invited everyone who donated over $20 to contribute a song to my race day playlist. It meant that as I ran, I was surrounded by the people who had supported me in to making it to the start line, friends, family, colleagues – all “running” with me through their songs. It turned what could have been a solo effort into something shared, powerful and full of heart.

One of the most special moments came in marathon week, from my friend and fellow runner, Wendy. We both ran the half marathon that year, and I told her that next time, I would race the full marathon next year if we reached $5,000. We didn’t just reach it — we smashed it, raising nearly $6,000 for ACRF. That promise came full circle this year as Wendy lost her daughter to cancer when she was just 15. I know what this shared effort, born from both friendship and loss, will help fund research that could spare other families that pain made every single step worth it.

What's next ?

I’m thrilled to once again be representing the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), this time in the 2026 Sydney Marathon. I’m excited to keep the momentum going running not just for the challenge, but for the 2 in 5 Australians diagnosed with cancer. Every kilometer, every donation, and every conversation helps fund life-changing research that brings us closer to a future free from cancer."