Melanomore - In Memory of Vince Elmore

Hi There,

I am pledging to run 60 miles (96.97kms from Gatton to Springfield Central) on the first Saturday of December, 2020 in memory of my Dad, Vince Elmore. Dad devastatingly passed away in March 2018 after a long and courageous battle with Melanoma.  It would have been Dad’s 60th Birthday on the 1st of December. I will be sharing my journey and raising as much awareness as I can for Melanoma and it’s prevention, causes and treatments along the way.  

I have been waiting, waiting for the right time, for the right feeling, to honour Dads memory, to do what I promised him I would. But, there is no good time, no day I don’t miss him, no day I don’t want to just pick up the phone and call him. I would give up everything I own for one more hug, one more cuppa with dad. He was my Dad for almost 30 years, you don’t get over that in a certain timeframe, it’s doesn’t get easier, you just learn to live differently. 

My son, Oliver, admired his Grandad, and misses him dearly, he often asks when is Grandad coming back. Every couple of days he just starts to talk abut Grandad and all the fun times they had together. One day he asked me “mum if I go for a really, really big sleep will Grandad come back when I wake up”? This truly breaks my heart, every single time, but it also warms my heart knowing Dad’s memory lives on in him. It is also wonderful to hear him share his stories with his little sister Madeleine whom I was 6 months pregnant with when Dad passed away. 

When caring for my Dad in his final days of fighting Melanoma, Dad asked me to promise him. He asked me to promise him I would do anything and everything I could to prevent his beloved Grandchildren suffering in any way from this insidious cancer.  

So now is the time, I have to fulfil my promise. For Dad, and for his Grandchildren, I have to help eradicate melanoma, to help find its cure and help prevent the next generation experiencing the sadness, anger and loss everyone effected by the insidious cancer has felt. 

Throughout my training I would like to raise equal awareness and funds for Mater Smiling for Smiddy and the Melanoma Institute Australia.  

The Mater Foundations' Smiling for Smiddy supports vital research into the causes, treatment and prevention of various cancers including Melanoma. 

Funds raised supports the potentially life-saving research and the continued efforts to raise awareness of the imperativeness of the measures required to prevent Melanoma, especially in Queensland - the Sunshine State!  

My Dad received his radiation treatment at The Mater Springfield Cancer Care Centre before passing away in 2018 from Melanoma. Throughout his entire journey Mum and Dad could not fault the care they received from all the staff at the Mater. 

As a Registered Nurse at the Mater I am humbled to be part of an organisation that is able to provide support to patients and families through some of the toughest days. 

The level of support and understanding I received both personally and

professionally throughout Dads battle both in his final weeks and after he passed away was truly exceptional and something I will be eternally grateful for. 

I strongly believe that everyone should be aware of the values that Mater hold and practice and how their commitment to these values benefit not only the patient’s experience, but the family and community around the patient. 

I'm making a difference and running for a cause that's close to my heart. I’d appreciate any contribution, big or small.

Donations made through this platform are secure and will be remitted directly through to my charity of choice. 

Thankyou so much for your support!