The annual Mother’s Day Classic, scheduled for this Sunday across Australia, seeks to raise vital funds for cancer research and promote awareness of women’s health.

The event, a series of fun runs and walks, anticipates surpassing last year’s fundraising total of nearly $4 million.

Ali Clarke, a cancer survivor and ambassador for the Mother’s Day Classic, is partnering with her mother, Mary Carle, to encourage participation and highlight the importance of early detection.

Clarke has spoken about her cancer journey, saying initially sharing the diagnosis with her mother was particularly challenging.

“Because you don’t want to put more stress on them … you know I could do something about it but you know they were having to rely on me being honest with them about what was going on,” she said.

Now cancer-free, Clarke emphasises the collective nature of the cause.

“It’s not about me, this is about everyone that will go through it, everyone that has gone through it and let’s face it, we need more money pumped into research,” she said.

Mary expressed a poignant sentiment regarding her daughter’s experience, saying: “I regret in a way that it should be me going through it and not Ali, but I think on the same token I think she is doing a better job at recovery and helping others.”

Beyond fundraising, the Mother’s Day Classic aims to remind women, particularly mothers, to prioritise their health.

Clarke highlighted a common tendency to neglect personal well-being, saying: “We look after our kids, our family, our friends before we look after ourselves … we even get our car serviced before we look after ourselves.”

She emphasised the importance of early detection, adding: “Because if you know about it and get it early you can do something about it.”

As part of this message, Clarke is encouraging women to undergo regular mammograms.

For those unable to attend the events on Sunday, organisers have provided an alternative. “If you can’t make it this Sunday … you can complete a run or walk on a different day … anywhere you choose, and still help raise vital funds,” a spokesperson said.