Fighting spirit shines in marathon run
A 42.2-kilometre run has shown Joel, Jarrod and Tom Berry, and family friends Will Robertson and Ben Lakin, live the lessons their late mum and mother figure Jedda Berry left behind.
Mrs Berry, of Horsham, battled breast cancer for eight years and died in 2013 at age 45.
The five men ran a marathon on Saturday from the Giant Koala at Dadswells Bridge to Coughlin Park, Horsham to raise money for Breast Cancer Network Australia, BCNA, and honour Mrs Berry’s memory.
‘Marathon for Mum’ has raised more than $56,000 to date. Jarrod Berry said it was ‘unreal’ to complete the marathon.
“We wanted to show a few of Mum’s lessons,” he said.
“Will and Joel, the way they finished off, they were hurting, and they showed grit and resilience to fight their way through the battle – like Mum did. “That was really special.”
Berry said the group did not expect the support it received upon entering the gates at Coughlin Park when they invited the large group of people to join them for the final three kilometres.
“We didn’t even expect 50 people to be here; I can’t even tell how many are here. It’s awesome to see friends and family come out to support us,” he said.
Children’s activities, AFL footballer guest appearances and booths from exercise apparel company LSKD, BCNA, Red Bull and Red Energy contributed to the day.
The event continued into the night at the Exchange Hotel including live music, raffle giveaways and more socialising.
People can donate via bcna.org.au/ event-directory/community-events/ marathon-for-mum