Australia’s much loved Olympic champion, Raelene Boyle, is proud to be an Ambassador for Carman’s Fun Run. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 Raelene is a passionate advocate for women and men living with breast cancer and was a very active board member of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) for many years.

Raelene represented Australia in track and field at three Olympic Games. She won three Olympic silver medals, seven Commonwealth gold medals and two Commonwealth silver medals. In 1974, Raelene was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her outstanding sporting achievements. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2007, in recognition of her work with cancer organisations, particularly Breast Cancer Network Australia. In 2013, she was named in Australia’s Top 100 Sportswomen of All Time.

Raelene is one of the National Trust’s 100 Living Treasures, a member of the Australian Track and Field Hall of Fame and one of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s 39 Legends of Australian sport.

• Andrew is running in memory of his wife Janine. A registered Nurse and with a long career with the RDNS as a clinical Nurse Wound Care Consultant and later a research officer with both La Trobe and Melbourne universities on wound care trials, Janine’s approach to her Breast Cancer diagnosis in December of 2019 was to obtain as much information and seek expert advice on treatment options. 

Janine underwent chemotherapy as the country was starting to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the course of chemotherapy was completed, Janine then progressed to radiotherapy treatment. With followup scans Janine required further surgery for re-excision of breast cancer margins in September. Throughout this ordeal, Janine maintained a positive attitude and a forward looking outlook, planning for the future. She and Andrew settled into a recovery routine committed to working towards a common goal of improved health and well-being.

Nothing stays the same for long when dealing with a disease, like breast cancer and in July 2021 following an MRI Janine was admitted to hospital for immediate neurosurgery to remove several brain tumours. This in turn led to an intensive course of radiotherapy.  The initial outlook was positive but, the treatment and the disease took its toll on Janine and in November, she required hospitalisation and shortly thereafter moved into palliative care. In December, just a few days after reaching our 34th wedding anniversary Janine passed away.Her courage and resilience have inspired Andrew to participate in the Carman's Fun Run and fundraise for Breast Cancer Network Australia. By honouring her memory and supporting BCNA, Andrew hopes to contribute to a cause that is close to his heart and make a difference in the lives of others affected by breast cancer.

Jen’s big sister Jo was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2018 and sadly passed away in 2024 at 58 years old.

“Jo was the most amazing big sister,” says Jen. “When I was diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer in February 2020, she was the first person I called and she just cried and said it was worse than finding out about her own cancer,” Jen says. “Typical Jo, always caring more for others.”

Now, Jen is gearing up to participate in Carman’s Fun Run 2025 with her new mindset that “life is for living” and she doesn’t want to waste a moment.

In July 2024 Stephanie was diagnosed with breast cancer, news that changed their world overnight.

Daniel says, "We had just bought our first home and were planning our wedding, only to have everything put on hold as we faced the fight of our lives."

Stephanie underwent chemotherapy with what Daniel says was unbelievable strength, courage, and grace.

Koltyn Tholstrup is a Melbourne Football Club player who has been involved with two Pink Lady Matches by wearing the name of someone diagnosed with breast cancer. Koltyn says ”It is a privilege to be a Carman’s Fun Run ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). I grew up in a small tight knit community where everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. I’ve been affected with both family members and very close family friends being diagnosed. Growing up my mum and I, along with a bunch of her girlfriends, shaved our heads and raised $40,000 to help support people affected by breast cancer. It is a cause I hold very close to my heart, and I am privileged to be an ambassador and promote Carman’s Fun Run, along with raising money myself. I am honoured to support BCNA by raising awareness to encourage early detection.” Keep an eye out for Koltyn on 15 February and be sure to say hi.

As a nurse, Ella understands the challenges that can come with a breast cancer diagnosis. That took on a more personal meaning when Ella’s mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.

Her mum’s diagnosis came as a shock to the family, as she is relatively young and has never experienced any other health concerns.

In the past, Ella had made donations to support the work BCNA does in providing information, treatment, and support to those diagnosed.

This year, she’s stepping up her support – literally!

Ella will be participating in the half marathon with her sister at Carman’s Fun Run on 16 Feb in support of their mum.

Join Ella and support all Australians affected by breast cancer by registering and fundraising for Carman’s Fun Run at https://ow.ly/gfcN50Usjwx

We Will Always Love Joy

Carman's Fun Run Champion

At the heart of our inspiration to participate in the Carman’s Fun Run, is a remarkable woman named Joy.

In August 2023, our beautiful friend, sister, wife, passed away just 10 weeks after being diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer.

Let us tell you a little bit about this amazing person.

Joy became a seasoned participant in Carman's Fun Run, gracing the event with her presence multiple times. The story of Joy's connection to Carman's Fun Run stemmed from a place of deep personal significance— her beloved mother, Fay, sadly lost her battle with breast cancer when Joy and her sister were still quite young.

Determined to make a difference, Joy became a true advocate, extending her commitment to fundraise to help find a cure to this terrible disease.

In 2018, she posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram, grabbing a friend's fun run pack. In a wonderfully simple act, reflecting her fun-loving spirit, she wrote down her friend's reason for participating in the run: "Because I <Heart> Joy."

As for Joy, her reason for participating was simple and deeply meaningful: "My mum."

Little did the world know that behind those words lay a poignant story of love, loss, and unwavering dedication. Joy wasn't just a participant of a fun run; she was a true gem, and a therapist in fact, dedicating her days to providing support and guidance to those in need. Joy's life had been one of resilience, laughter, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

In her and her beautiful mother, Fay’s memory, we carry the torch forward with "We Love Joy,". Participating in Carman's Fun Run holds even more significance as we honour their magnificent spirits.

Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate the life of our dear friend Joy. We all miss her dearly.