When Gemma, Alby and three friends signed up to run a half marathon, they decided to make it about more than just crossing the finish line.

In memory of Gemma and Alby’s mum, Liz, who passed away from liver cancer last year, they set out to raise funds for Liver Foundation to support people and families affected by liver cancer.

What started as four friends quickly grew into a team of 23 runners, who together raised more than $12,000.

For Gemma and Alby, the fundraiser was a way to celebrate the person their mum was.

“She was the person we would look for in any room. She was our safe place and the best mum we could have ever asked for,” she says.

“She lifted every room she walked into with her smile, warmth and cheeky laugh. She showed up for her friends with endless love, especially when she could sense they needed it—not to fix the problem they were facing, but to help them through it, never asking for anything in return.”

The fundraising idea came about after one of Gemma’s friends suggested they train for a half marathon together. Although she’d never been a runner, Gemma was keen to take on the challenge, and the group decided to dedicate it to Liz.

Before long, the team had grown to include Gemma’s brother Alby, cousin Cam, school friends, work colleagues, members of the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron and many others from their local community.

“It was very motivating for everyone that we were raising money for such an important cause that was very close to home, as well as finding a new love for running and keeping each other accountable,” Gemma says.

On race day, the team included runners of all abilities, with some taking on the 10km event and others the half marathon.

“While we fundraised together and many of us trained together, we didn’t actually cross the finish line as one group. Everyone ran their own race, with some running the 10km and others taking on the half marathon, all chasing their own personal goals and best performances.

In many ways, that made it even more special. Our staggered finish times meant there were always teammates waiting at the finish line, yelling encouragement and helping each other get across the line. The support made every finish feel like a shared achievement.”

One of the day’s highlights was watching Gemma’s brother, Alby, finish seventh overall in the half marathon and first in his age group.

For Gemma, though, what she’ll remember most is the support that surrounded her family.

“Crossing the finish line, I realised just how many families, parents, Mum’s friends, friends from all parts of my life, friends’ sisters, brothers, cousins and people from our community had come down. It was quite overwhelming.”

“It not only emphasised how many people’s lives Mum touched, but how much support my family has around us.”

Reflecting on the experience, Gemma hopes other families affected by liver cancer know they don’t have to face it alone.

“Leaning on your community is how we get through hard times, showing up for people when they need it and asking for nothing in return like my Mum did throughout her life speaks volumes when life gets tough.”

A huge thank you to the incredible runners — Gemma, Alby, Cameron, Charlotte, Chloe, Meika, Sam, Frank, Tom, Max, Bill, Gabe, Jared, Samantha, Liam, Gidget, Cassie, Pat, Xavier, Grace, Charlie, Nick and Remy — and to the many family members, friends and supporters who donated, volunteered and cheered from the sidelines.

Together, you raised more than $12,000, helping Liver Foundation continue to provide support and information for people and families affected by liver disease and liver cancer.

You have the power to make a real difference

If you’ve been inspired by Team Liz’s story, find out more about how you can get involved here.