JESS Hayes is a busy mum running around raising her two children Chelsea, 12, and Phoebe, 10, but on August 31, she is about to do a whole lot more running to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
At 8am, on Saturday, August 31, Ms Hayes will complete 24 laps around Lake Hamilton in 24 hours, running the lake every hour on the hour, aiming to raise $2000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Ms Hayes said she was inspired by her friends who have suffered from the disease, and that the money will go towards research and supporting patients.
“People who go through breast cancer go through worse pain than I will throughout my run,” she said.
“So, I just wanted to challenge myself for a good cause.
“I’ve had some run friends go through breast cancer or some parents through the day care centre that I’ve worked at, and I had a scare myself when my eldest was born, so I know that all cancers are interconnected.
“I know its crazy, but its such a good cause.”
Ms Hayes is already adept at running the lake in good time and has been doing a little bit of training.
“At parkrun I average when I am just doing a casual run is 22 minutes - but if I am running with my youngest child, we average around 39 minutes.
“Local CFA volunteers are actually doing the first lap with me, in their turn out gear.
Ms Hayes said she had a lot of support including from partner, Scott Sawyer.
“A lot of my running friends are going to come and do support laps as well.
“I’ve got friends to run with me during the night to keep me accountable, so it’s pretty exciting.
“I’m nervous but I’m getting really excited.”
Ms Hayes said there will be a community fun day on the day aswell from 9am-4pm.
“There’ll be a coffee van, the Lions Club are doing a barbecue, as well as free face painting and free balloon art,” she said.
“It’s 24 hours of way less pain of what breast cancer sufferers go through, so if I can push myself through – that will be a great challenge.”
Ms Hayes said there will be breast cancer buckets where people can donate around town.
You can also find out more about how to donate on the event Facebook page - Every Hour, On the Hour.
