The Mother’s Day Classic Walk was again supported nationally by the SSSIO in Australia with groups in 5 states participating in this national community event aimed at raising awareness of, and supporting research to address, breast and ovarian cancer. The Ladies Section of the SSSIO takes the lead in supporting this worthy event.
Founded in 1998 with events in Sydney and Melbourne, the walk has now become Australia’s largest fun run event. Whilst individual members have supported it for some years, the event was adopted by the Ladies Section in 2018 following the ACT Region’s participation in 2017. This year’s event took place on Sunday, 11 May with 61 members and children from the various SSSIO groups participating, including several whole families.
The SSSIO participants enjoyed the company of thousands of others in the community who came together to support the cause. The walks have become a bit of a gala event with colourful costumes and entertainments along the way. The camaraderie of being in such a group with such positive and joyful vibes was a highlight of the involvement.
Whilst the walk has its fun side, there is a serious nature to it as well. As the Western Australian members reflected, the walk holds a special place in the hearts of many in their Region. For most this cause is deeply personal walking in memory of loved ones lost to cancer, and in solidarity with those still fighting.
Other reflections by some in the Queensland contingent cover a whole range of positive personal experiences from participating in this wonderful, community-solidarity event.
From a first-time walker
… My husband and I participated in the Mother’s Day Classic Walk for the first time this year and was enthralled by the spirit of everyone doing the walk today. We started the morning with a beautiful rainbow … despite the dark rain clouds. Regardless of the weather, everyone banded together in unity for a great cause. I was even more amazed by our …sisters, brothers, aunties and uncles who had made the effort today regardless of age …. we reached the finish line in the blink of an eye. I am so grateful …to have participated in today’s walk and am looking forward to many more such opportunities in the future.
-Navina
From a Survivor
Mother’s Day Classic Walk is a very special walk for me since Mother’s Day, May 2016. That’s when I was 5 months into remission from breast cancer. The MDC is personally so overwhelming and a blessing for me. Participating in today’s Mother’s Day Classic Walk was a meaningful experience, as it brought the community together to honour those affected by breast cancer and to support ongoing research efforts. Walking alongside survivors, families, and friends created a powerful sense of community and hope. The atmosphere was uplifting and energising, reminding us of the impact we can have when we unite for a common cause. It was inspiring to see so many people come together, each with their own personal reasons for being there, yet all driven by a shared commitment to make a difference.
-Urvashi
From a mother
Mother’s Day Classic at South Bank wasn’t just a walk—it was a powerful reminder of the strength of community, the importance of connection, and the impact of standing together for a cause that touches so many lives. Walking side by side, united by compassion and purpose, we honoured not only the mothers in our lives but also those affected by breast cancer. The presence of our Sai
family added a deeper spiritual connection to the event, reminding us of our shared values of service, love, and support.
-Tharshi
From a mother
We began our walk with prayers for world peace and harmony, setting a peaceful and purposeful tone for the journey ahead. Despite the rain, it was truly heartwarming to see so many individuals—each touched by breast or ovarian cancer in some way—coming together to walk for such a noble cause. It was a joy to share this meaningful experience with our fellow members, outside the usual activities.
-Sreedevi
From the Male participants
It was a truly heartwarming and spiritually uplifting experience to take part in today’s Mother’s Day Walk. As we walked together, I felt a deep sense of gratitude — not just for our individual mothers, but for the divine motherly love that sustains and nurtures all of creation. The walk was a beautiful reminder of how blessed we are to be guided, protected, and loved unconditionally, both by our earthly mothers and the Lord. It was also inspiring to witness the unity and love amongst the participants, walking in the spirit of love, gratitude, and reverence.
-Prasath
It was a wonderful experience seeing the large turnout of participants, not just our own group. So many of us braved the fickle & challenging weather and completed the course they had committed to. It reflects on our collective resolve to do whatever it takes for the general betterment of the world! And there’s no better day than Mother’s Day to express this message to our community! May all beings in all the world be happy!
-Raj
From our children
I liked it because it was a nice time with Sai family. My favourite part was the unicorn 🦄 face painting.
-Radha
Today at South bank there was a Mother’s Day event with marathons and walkathons 4km and 8km, we went for the 4km walkathon. While we were on the 1km-2km mark there was a water station, but I refused to go there. Once we reached the 3km-4km mark we drank from the water station which hydrated us a lot on our 4km walkathon. When we finally arrived back at Southbank, we were served fruit and yoghurt, (the yoghurt flavour was vanilla and mango). When we were just about to leave, we took a picture with the SSSIO group and finally we went home very tired as if we were about to be unconscious.
-Shiv