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, predominantly in Emergency, I still love the variety - From the fast pace of the emergency department to supporting patients as they recover safely at home, something I find deeply rewarding. 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, give back and connect with others. The Central Coast community has really rallied behind my marathon and fundraising efforts, which has meant the world to me. 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 planted the seed for this journey. I decided to run my first marathon for ACRF in honour of loved ones who have faced this cancer - some whom continue to fight and some who are no longer with us. As a nurse caring for patients from diagnosis right through to the end of their cancer journey, I see firsthand how devastating a cancer diagnosis can be for patients and their families.

Running a marathon became a way to transform that helplessness into purpose. I wanted to do something physically and mentally challenging that could make a real difference. Fundraising for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation gave every kilometer meaning - it became bigger than me just ticking off a life achievement, it became about hope, research and supporting the people and families who are living through what my loved ones did.

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, Macca. She ran the Melbourne half marathon this year, and to help drive my fundraising, vowed to take on the full marathon next year if we reached $5000!

We didn’t just reach it, we smashed it, raising $6,000 for ACRF. That promise carries even deeper meaning as Macca lost her teenage brother 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 and 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."