HUNDREDS of people turned out to a race in central Castlemaine on Sunday to honour a young girl and raise money for cystic fibrosis research.
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The annual Run For Hannah is a two-kilometre race that raises money for Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and started two years ago in memory of Hannah, a 14-year-old Castlemaine resident who died of cystic fibrosis.
The event took place after Run the Maine, an annual five and 10 kilometre race that raises money for Castlemaine Health.
Hannah's mother, Cathy Thompson, said Run For Hannah was always an emotional time for her family.
"It humbles me to see how many people haven’t forgotten her and want to keep her memory alive and want to support us still," Ms Thompson said.
On Sunday, several hundred people attended the event, including cystic fibrosis suffers and their families.
Funds came through the race entry fee, sponsors, donations, selling merchandise and promotions weeks before.
There was a balloon release before the race started, and Hannah's siblings shot the starting gun for the race to begin.
Hannah died unexpectedly in February 2012 after a lung transplant the previous month. It was a risky operation, but Ms Thompson said they had to take the chance for Hannah to survive.
"If she hadn’t have got it we may not have had her for that extra month," Ms Thompson said.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the respiratory system and limits sufferer's lifespan. Only 20 to 30 per cent of sufferers make it to their 30s.
Hannah was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at three weeks of age and fought it all her life.
She often had to take 30 to 40 tablets a day and suffered cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.
"It's the number one childhood genetic killer in Australia. One in 25 people carry it. It's just a matter of two carriers getting together, there’s a one in four chance," Ms Thompson said.
Ms Thompson said after Hannah's death, her friend Libby Mayes asked if she could organise a run in Hannah's memory.
They decided the run would be short distance - two kilometres - with the option to walk, which would enable other cystic fibrosis sufferers to participate.
Ms Thompson said she didn't know how much money was raised on Sunday, but last year the figure was $19,000.
"I want to be able to keep raising money, I don’t want her death to be in vain," Ms Thompson said.
"Eventually there won't be CF anymore, we can have a cure for it."
She said Castlemaine had a "small town mentality", where if one person was hurting, everybody supported them.
Ms Thompson said Hannah was "very strong, very loving and loved life".
"I remember we were interviewed by Channel 10 a few years ago when she was first listed for the transplant and all she wanted to do was go to school. She loved her friends, loved animals, she was a real family person. So strong and inspirational for a lot of people.
"She was my daughter and I was very proud of her."
