Queensland’s ‘Sea of Pink’ Shatters Fundraising Goal, Raises $1.8M

Queenslanders showed their unwavering support and kindness after gathering at the yearly “Sea of Pink” event and raising an amazing $1.8 million to fight breast cancer. This event brought people together to fight this widespread disease in a useful way.



The sea of pink covered Queensland, from the busy city streets to the quiet coastal towns. People wore bright colours to honour those who have been victims of breast cancer and to celebrate the strength of the survivors. Stories of bravery, hope, and drive surrounded the crowds, along with the fluttering pink balloons, banners, and ribbons. They were a powerful reminder of how strong it is to work together.

It raised more money than anyone thought it would, with people, businesses, and organisations working together to make a change. Queenslanders got creative to show their unwavering support for breast cancer research, care, and support services. They held bake sales, charity runs, raffles, and sponsored events, among other things.

Photo Credit: Website/Mater Group

The moving tributes to people affected by breast cancer were one of the best parts of the event. People who took part decorated the “Wall of Hope” with messages of love and remembering. Giving hope to everyone effected by the disease. 

The “Sea of Pink” event’s success shows how strong community is and how much good can happen when people work together for a cause. The $1.8 million raised will be very helpful in funding important research projects, offering important support services, and making more people in Queensland aware of efforts to avoid and find breast cancer early.

Photo Credit: Website/Mater Group

As the event organiser, Sarah Thompson, thought about how many people had responded, she thanked everyone who had helped. “The outpouring of support from communities across Queensland has been truly inspiring,” she told me. We are incredibly appreciative of everyone who took part for their generosity and compassion because, together, we’ve made a significant difference in the lives of those who have breast cancer.



Photo Credit: Website/Mater Group

Mater hospitals in Brisbane, Springfield, Redlands, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg treat one in four breast cancer patients in Queensland. The “Sea of Pink” event is over for another year, but its message of compassion, hope, and unity will live on and give strength to everyone who has breast cancer.

Published Date 28-March-2024

Strathpine Doctor Leads the Charge Against Breast Cancer

Strathpine doctor Rebecca Langdon, known as “Bec the Boob,” joins Australian boxing legend Jeff Horn in the fight against breast cancer on International Women’s Day Fun Run in Brisbane.



Held on 10 March 2024, the fun run promises to be the largest ever, with a record 23,000 participants flooding the streets of Brisbane’s inner cities in a Sea of Pink. 

Bec the Boob: A Symbol of Courage and Resilience

Among the sea of runners in Brisbane will be Dr Langdon who was nicknamed “Bec the Boob” because she runs clad in a giant inflatable breast costume. This year marks her sixth year participating in the event. 

Photo Credit: Supplied

The Strathpine doctor finds solace in humour amidst the seriousness of cancer, acknowledging the role her participation plays in honouring the memory of her friend Tara Simmons and other women affected by breast cancer. 

Reflecting on Tara’s journey with stage three multifocal ductal carcinoma, Dr Langdon underscores the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer and the limited treatment options available.

 Despite Tara’s passing shortly before her 35th birthday in 2019, Dr Langdon draws inspiration from researchers, medical professionals, and donors dedicated to advancing breast cancer treatment and care. She emphasises the significance of research funding in uncovering new treatment avenues and saving lives.

Queenslanders Rally Behind the Cause

Mater Foundation has expanded the event’s capacity to accommodate the unprecedented demand for the International Women’s Day fun run, increasing from 20,000 to 23,000 runners. Despite the additional 3,000 places, the iconic 5km fun run sold out in 25 days.

With less than a week left, Horn urges Queenslanders to join or create “virtual” fun runs in their communities, allowing participants to walk, jog, or run 5km at their convenience between 3 to 10 March 2024. 

Photo Credit: Supplied

Horn, a father of three daughters, expresses his solidarity with women facing breast cancer, emphasising the importance of raising awareness and funds for the cause. Funds from the event will support breast cancer research, services, and patient care across Mater hospitals in Queensland.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas commends the overwhelming support for the virtual challenge, with thousands of Queenslanders already participating. 

As anticipation builds for the largest Women’s Day Fun Run, Thomas encourages individuals across Queensland to register online for a fun run in their local community. 



Teams are forming, ranging from families and friends to work colleagues and even pets, embracing diverse settings for their runs, whether in local parks, along coastlines or on treadmills. The spirit of unity and determination underscores Queensland’s commitment to combating breast cancer.

Published 5-March-2024