Heritage Christian School joins the fight against breast cancer

This is the first year that event organisers have welcomed a school team to their event, and organisers hope that other local schools will get on board and join them to walk or run to fund breast cancer research.

MDC event manager Kylie Bulmer says school communities can play an important role in supporting the event.

"In 2018, 67 schools from throughout Australia participated in their local events, walking or running, raising more than $27,000 to fund breast cancer research," she said.

"We'd love to see schools join our Port Macquarie event this year, and in the years ahead."

Heritage Christian School is the first school from the local area to get involved, signing up to show their support for some people within their own teacher and parent community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Heritage Christian School principal Geoff Brisby is proud their school is joining the cause.

"A number of people in our own school community have been impacted by breast cancer, and we want to support our own teachers and parents who have been diagnosed with the disease," he said.

"One of our parents, Bron Watson, is an official Ambassador, having had a challenging year of fighting her own battle against breast cancer.

"We want to show Bron, as well as others in our close school community, that we're standing with them in this fight to raise funds for research and help find a cure."

The School is hosting a range of activities in the lead up to the MDC on Mother's Day to help raise funds for breast cancer research, including hosting several bbqs, having a Pink Cupcake Day in conjunction with their Mother's Day Stall, and also holding a Mini Mufti Day where students are encouraged to accessorise in pink.

One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime - a figure that is sadly on the rise. 53 women will be diagnosed in Australia today with breast cancer. Another 53 women tomorrow. And again, the next day. So funding research into prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and ultimately a cure, is vitally important.

This is the 5th year the Mother's Day Classic will be held in Port Macquarie, and organisers are encouraging people to make Mother's Day mean more this year and register to walk or run.

The event raises funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation's research projects, funding a goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030.

The event is hosted by a team of volunteers including several members of local breast cancer support group, the Port Macquarie Pink Girls. They also fundraise on the day to contribute funds to the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI), not just limiting the Port Macquarie event's purpose to supporting breast cancer research, but helping all cancer patients.

The event is on Sunday May 12 at Westport Park and includes a 5km Walk and 5km Run.

There'll be a range of family entertainment and refreshments also available.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/port.mdc. Schools wishing to participate can find more information and resources on the MDC website.