Newly diagnosed with breast cancer, the Wangaratta registered nurse had lost her hair by the time the Mother’s Day Classic rolled around.

Nevertheless she rallied a team for the Wangaratta event. (Though the event was cancelled due to inclement weather, Ms Richards’ team still raised thousands with the help of her health fund HCF.)

On Sunday Ms Richards will join the Mother’s Day Classic at Apex Park in Wangaratta, fresh off the back of the Nail Can Hill run in Albury last weekend.

She joined 1600 people for the fun run on Sunday.

“On my 54th birthday I stood beside fellow competitors at the start; a full head of hair, colour in my cheeks and an overwhelming sense of achievement and gratitude,” she said.

Like many undergoing cancer treatment, Ms Richards said the past 12 months had been a whirlwind.

She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and, in January, a breast reconstruction.

“You know it was not until treatment stopped that I had time; time to think, to grieve and cry,” she said. 

“Many ladies will identify crying in the shower during treatment; as the water pelts down on your battered, disfigured body this is where we hide to cry.”

Ms Richards said many women hid from their loved ones to protect them from the reality that came with a diagnosis of breast cancer or any cancer.

“I often use the analogy of cancer as the Big Bad Wolf, who may come knocking at anyone’s door,” she said. 

“Cancer does not discriminate – if you live in a house made of sticks, straw or bricks. It will huff and puff and try to break you down, pull your emotions this way and that way, and challenge your reliance.”

Ms Richards said continued research was vital for better cancer outcomes.

“Without the research by Breast Cancer Network Australia, I may not be sitting in my cosy bed wearing my medal from the fun run and actually enjoying my aching muscles,” she said.

“The Mother’s Day Classic is an opportunity for family and friends to stand united and raise much-needed funds to ensure this research continues until maybe just maybe the Big Bad Wolf becomes extinct.”

Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund HCF will donate $100 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every person who registers in its team for the Mother’s Day Classic.

To join Team HCF (non-members welcome too), sign up at hcf.com.au/MDC2017 before midnight on Saturday.