Amongst the hundreds of Brisbane runners in this year’s National Breast Cancer Foundation Mother’s Day Classic at Southbank on Sunday was a familiar face to many Brisbane Roar fans.
Amongst the hundreds of Brisbane runners in this year-s National Breast Cancer Foundation Mother-s Day Classic at Southbank on Sunday was a familiar face to many Brisbane Roar fans.
Goalkeeper – and tonight-s stand-in captain – Michael Theoklitos took part in the event-s 4km run alongside wife Victoria in a bid to raise awareness for the worthy cause, one that holds a personal significance to his family.
“It-s close to my heart because Victoria-s mum was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago,” Theoklitos said.
“She had a double mastectomy and has been great ever since – she-s even formed her own group called the Pink Cocktail Group and they-ve raised over $170,000 in the past two years.
“My mother passed away from cancer, not breast cancer, but it-s still very close to my heart.
“Taking part in something like this is great because it raises awareness and raises money, which is what it-s all about.”
The National Breast Cancer Foundation asked Theoklitos to shoot the starter gun to kick off the event and he even ran alongside the Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and his wife Lisa.
“To be honest, I did a bit of walking and running – I did have the Beijing game in mind!” he said.