Yeppoon breast cancer survivor Lyn Nobbs is gearing up for this year's International Women's Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-Ray – the biggest ever following unprecedented demand to join the "Sea of Pink".
The 56-year-old grandmother will travel almost 675km from her home in Rockhampton to join a record 23,000 people on the streets of Brisbane CBD on March 10 after Mater Foundation decided to increase the breast cancer fundraising event's capacity from 20,000 last year.
Even with an extra 3000 places, the iconic 5km fun run still sold out in a record 25 days.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said the response showed the event holds a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders – and urged those who missed out to join their own 'virtual fun runs' across the state.
"Queensland has backed the fight against breast cancer like never before," Mr Thomas said.
"This year's event will be the biggest ever – and there's still time for Queenslanders everywhere to sign up online to a fun run in their community.
"Everyone can join the Sea of Pink. It's a fantastic way to stay fit, have fun – and fight breast cancer."
The virtual challenge allows people to walk, jog or run 5km, or choose their own distance, in their neighbourhood any time between Sunday 3 March and Sunday 10 March.
Less than 12 months ago Mrs Nobbs received the "shock" news she had breast cancer, now she's urging other women to take charge of their bodies and "check your boobies".
"I went to my GP in March last year about scar tissue on the right side of my breast, however a lump was discovered on my left breast," Mrs Nobbs said.
The Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton patient was diagnosed with Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is considered the earliest form of breast cancer and has a low risk of becoming invasive.
Her treatment involved four rounds of chemotherapy treatment and surgery, a lumpectomy, and the removal of several lymph nodes.
"I was very lucky my cancer was caught in its early stages," she said.
"I was lucky I lost my hair in winter, so I could rock a beanie!"
Mrs Nobbs has raised more than $4000 for breast cancer research and is one of this year's top individual fundraisers.
She is calling on Rockhampton locals to create or join a 'virtual' funs run in their communities.
"The number of women I know in Yeppoon with breast cancer is unbelievable, there's so many," she said.
"I hope next year we will get a much bigger crowd in Yeppoon to hold our very own event to raise money for breast cancer research, this event is something close to my heart."
Mrs Nobbs' mum Lorraine Jones, 83, who is also a breast cancer survivor, will be cheering her on from Yeppoon.
"Mum had breast cancer and is now also cancer free," she said.
"She was diagnosed about 20 years ago and had a double mastectomy."
Teams taking part in the virtual event from the Rockhampton region include The Ville Girls, Be Hot Training, Breast of Friends, and Mater Rockhampton.
Funds from the event will go towards life-saving breast cancer research, as well as services and support for breast cancer patients at Mater hospitals in Brisbane, Springfield, Redlands, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.
