The pain never leaves
R4R Movie Night - Monday 29th of July
Join the Running for Resilience team at 6pm on the 29th of July for a run from The Dock, followed by a screening of The Blood Run movie at 7:15pm, with all proceeds going to the Leukaemia Foundation.
I’ll never forget those anxious days of waiting for my Mum’s cancer diagnosis. The uncertainty and fear make the seconds tick away for what feels like an eternity, and when we finally received the bad news, it just hits you…
It was no different for Tara’s family many years ago, when her Mum Leaine was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Tara’s Mum would eventually pass way, devastating her family.
Tara was 3 years old when her Mum passed away, leaving her husband Rob, Tara and her two sisters. Leaine was the head of the family to 6 siblings and the day she passed away, things changed forever.
Callan is Tara’s husband, the man behind Blood Run, and from being a part of Tara’s family for more than 20 years, he can see that the pain is as real today as it was back then. Despite that pain, Tara would eventually take part in the World’s Greatest Shave, raising $10k for the Leukaemia Foundation and inspiring her husband in the process.
I couldn’t believe she did it, hair can mean so much to so many people and to see her raise so much money and to represent for her family was incredibly inspiring.
Callan wanted to do his part for the family by raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation too, and with his love for trail running, he saw the 250km Great North Walk Pioneer Trail as the perfect route.
I wanted to raise $100 per kilometre, totalling $25,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation. On June the 2nd we started the run and by the time we got into Sydney we had raised over $50,000!
His Best Friend Dan was heavily involved in the run and its filming, and when we spoke to Dan about his involvement, he was quick to point out the impact it had on so many, including those who’d been impacted by blood cancer. When the film premiered in 2023 and made it’s way to a Central Coast showing, an unknown Lady approached them…
The lady started crying and told me that her husband had lost his fight to Leukaemia just recently and thanked me and our crew for showing support and awareness.
To say this moved me was a massive understatement, and reminded me why we do this!
Struggle can unite us, regardless of our differences. And through unity, we can find strength to understand and overcome whatever we’re facing. Running for Resilience knows this intimately, and it’s clear that Blood Run is no different.
And while this movie not only serves as a reminder that silver linings can exist on even the darkest of clouds, it also serves as a beautiful way to honour the life of a woman who is still loved by so many.
Tara’s family doesn’t like to speak about Leaine much, as its too painful. But through this process, they are blown away and proud that their Sister’s name lives on and is helping others.
The pain never leaves, but purpose can be found for what happens next.
Bungendore Parkrun
If you’re looking for a parkrun to do this weekend, have a think about jumping in the car and heading out to Bungendore!