We are writing to update our supporters and community that the #1367 Diamond Homerun for Ovarian Cancer research – a 100km endurance run undertaken by Jarrod Russell – will be moving from its original summer schedule to Autumn 2026.

Why the Change?

As many of you know, Queensland summers are synonymous with two things: intense heat and the unpredictable rainy season.

Running 100km is a monumental physical challenge on its own. Doing it by running 1,367 laps of a softball diamond adds a mental grit that few possess. To give Jarrod the best possible track conditions and ensure the event can proceed without the interruption of torrential downpours or dangerous humidity, we have made the decision to shift the event to the cooler, drier Autumn months.

This change ensures safety first, but it also promises a better atmosphere for spectators to come out, cheer, and support the cause without dodging summer storms.

The Challenge: #1367

For those new to the event, the number 1367 isn’t random. It is the precise number of “home runs”—or laps around a standard softball diamond – required to hit the massive 100km milestone.

Jarrod Russell is taking on this gruelling distance to raise vital funds and awareness for ovarian cancer research. Every lap is a step toward breakthroughs that could change lives, and every donation helps ensure that Play for a Cure can continue to target this critical area of cancer research.

Jarrod has already completed nearly a quarter of the challenge, with many laps run under horrendous rain. His determination is epic, and we know that times are tight – especially with Christmas coming up. That’s why we ask our community to save their coin and donate to this truly worthy cause.

looking ahead

The full run will be completed when the weather cools and the rain begins to disappear, making what is already a very difficult task just that little bit easier.

We are finalising the specific date in Autumn and will share it as soon as it is locked in. In the meantime, Jarrod continues his training (dodging the rain where he can!), and we’ll keep sharing updates along the way so you can follow his progress and stay connected to the challenge.

This is going to be a homerun you won’t want to miss.

Together, let’s Play for a Cure.

The post A New Season for a Diamond Challenge: The #1367 Moves to Autumn appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.

Saturday, 22nd November
Downey Park

This year’s event promises to be bigger and brighter than ever, with a huge multi-draw raffle featuring fantastic prizes generously donated by our community. Whether you’re joining us in person or cheering from afar, you can still be part of the day and go into the draw to win more than one of these brilliant prizes!

Thank you to Leading Edge Sports, and the members of Panthers Softball Club who have so kindly donated:

• Mint Mizuno Glove (LES)
• Lizard Glove wrap (LES)
• $50 voucher (LES)
• $200 Westfield gift card (donated by our sponsors Aston Air Conditioning – thank you Lauren))
• $200 Westfield gift card (AAC)
• $100 Westfield gift card (AAC)
• LKSD voucher (Panthers A Grade Black and Red)
• $100 Eftpos gift card (Panthers A reserve Black)
• Yeti hamper (Panthers A reserve Red)
• $110 Bunnings Voucher (Panthers B Grade Red)
• The Flower Farm Gift Set (donated by U16) – think Drinking Chocolate bonanza, Newfarm chocolate, Proceso & Harvest or a $50 flower voucher (3 prizes in total)
• Scratchie tree (Panthers Under 12)
• Lob a Choc – techically not a raffle prize, but a thank you from us to Panthers Under 14 red for what sounds like a lot of fun on the day!
• More to come…….

Every ticket sold and every dollar raised helps us fund vital cancer research and support those affected. Panthers Softball Club continues to show what it means to be a club that plays with heart — and we couldn’t be more proud to have them by our side.

Thank you, Panthers, for standing with us. Together, we’re swinging for a future without cancer.

See below to purchase your tickets online! Upon payment, we will reply via email with your numbers and hopefully be contacting you on your mobile on the day of the draw (22nd November).

1 ticket ($5)

3 tickets ($10)

7 tickets ($20)

15 tickets ($50)

#PinkPanthersDay #PlayForACure #PanthersSoftball #EndCancer #TogetherWeCan #Gratitude

The post Pink Panthers Day 2025 – Panthers Softball Club Playing for a Cure appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.

The first day we were down 5, yes 5, but rest assured it had no impact. Zoe, Judith and Julie stepped up and filled in for us in the 2 games we played and unlike previous years we actually won our first 2 games.  Thank you ladies for filling in for us, you certainly fit right in and looked right at place on the diamond. 2 from 2 on day one – 19 runs for, 1 against. 

Day 2 we had a full complement of players and were able to get them all on the diamond.  We won our first game and despite leading the 2nd game 7-5, we ran out of time and Renegades served up our first loss of the weekend.  30 runs for, 6 against – our bats were firing and our 3 pitchers were dominating with our defence showing signs of 25 odd years ago! 

Day 3 was an early start for us and historically we have a way of playing an 8am game. But…this time we were switched on, however Renegades were too strong and we went down 4-2 and had to play off against Giants to make the Grand Final.  Brisbane Giants beat us in the Div 1 Grand Final in 2023 so we were eager to avenge.  Initially, our bats were quiet, but our pitcing and fielding kept us in the game.  One inning explosion by the Giants had them leading us 4-1 with out last turn at bat coming up.  We had to dig deep, or else our campaign was over. And dig deep we did, finding the hits when we needed it to scrape through to the GF with a 5-4 win.

Grand Final – it was apt that we met Renegades again; the games we have had over the years have always been hard fought and the GF was no exception.  Pitching was tight, and the fielding was outstanding, meaning both sides were unable to unleash.  Runners, on both teams, may have made base but they were left stranded by the aforementioned pitching and fielding.  We took a lead 2-1 and had to hold tight while Renegades threw one last effort at us. We held firm and for the first time since 2017, we were able to claim the Div 1 Championships.  41 runs for and only 13 against, and a Gold Medal – oustanding effort by our hitters, pitchers and fielders. 

A great weekend for our Masters Charity team on the diamond and we thank them and congratulate them on the team effort to bring home the gold…Allison Waters, Cara Rennie, Cheryl-Lea Godfrey, Karen Sala, Keri McCracken, Amanda King (or King Amanda?!?), Megan Misso, Melanie Roche, Micaela Harrington, Nic Bennett, Poppy Ditchburn (our umpire (our biggest thanks to you!!)), Sheridan Darroch, Kelly McKellar-Nathan, and Karyn Foxover.  Shout out too to our officials – we couldn’t do it without you – Tracey Pollock (Scorer (alongside her little sidekick Lucy B)) and Stacey Porter (coach).  Thanks too to our supporters, you are always there!

BUT, we all know this weekend is not just about playing, although to be honest it is always the fun part, catching up with friends and being with your people, it is also about fundraising for our cause.  Our partner Softball Queensland have opened the portal so when registering, people can also donate when paying their match fees.  With that we made an incredible $4,108 and we want to thank each and eveyone of you that donated!  We won’t know your names ( a little thing called confidentiality) but know we are so so grateful to you all. 

We have some wonderful donors that choose to donate directly to us, some might say, the old fashioned way.  We are forever grateful to you and simply love how much our community supports our work.

Tan Aunties and Uncles (with #teamp4ac)

Dodgers

Aunty Emma’s Moongalba

Suncoast Flickers

Brisbane Fusion 35s

Demons

Young Devils

Lygers

And to Carrie Rose, our board member, and 10+ year member of the team (and newest life member alongside Cheryl-Lea Godfrey). Every year you drop such a significant donation to us and we simply do not have enough words, except to say thank you and we love you!

Year 15, still going strong, and with this event at SQ Masters, our charity has now raised at the SQ Masters alone….. $54,496!  It’s all down to Softball.  What a sport, and what people we have – we are truly lucky to be a part of this community! 

Leigh
#TEAMP4AC

PS. A bit of fun and reminiscing = Then (2010) verses now (2024)

Our first P4AC team

Smacks, Marty, Shez and Frecks

The post 2024 Masters played and won (really!) appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.

Exciting Announcement!

Ease yourself into the weekend and come join us for a round of golf on the 21st June from 12.30pm. YES, we are back with another ‘A Day on the Greens’. We are super excited about being able to host a golf event and this year even more so by hosting it at the Ashgrove Golf Course.

Join us for an unforgettable addition to our Charity Golf Day! After a day of swinging and putting, treat yourself to a sumptuous Buffet Dinner at the renowned Zegatos Restaurant, nestled within the picturesque Ashgrove Golf Club course. Our host, Tony, is committed to ensuring your evening is nothing short of exceptional. With the entire restaurant area reserved for our guests, you’ll have ample space to relax and enjoy the company of fellow golf enthusiasts, prior to our awards presentation. Access to the bar means you can easily purchase your favorite drinks to complement your meal. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in good food, great company, and support a worthy cause while easing yourself into your weekend. Reserve your spot today and get ready for an evening of culinary delights and camaraderie!

NB. TICKETS ARE LIMITED! So be quick and get your ticket today.

The post A day on the Greens! appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.

13 years ago, on this very day, our journey as a charity officially began. Reflecting on this milestone, we’re awestruck by the incredible support that has propelled us to this moment.

From the outset, every dollar mattered. Yet, here we stand, celebrating not only our 13th year but also the incredible milestone of raising over $400,000! Yes, you read that right—$400,000 toward cancer research!

It’s moments like these that make us pause, marvel, and feel a sense of overwhelming gratitude. Each contribution, each effort, each event attended or shared—every action has been a building block in our collective mission.

This milestone isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to the unwavering dedication and generosity of our supporters. You’ve been the heartbeat of our cause, driving us forward, fueling our passion to make a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.

We’re humbled by your trust, your support, and your unwavering belief in our cause. Together, we’ve empowered scientists, funded research, and taken strides towards a future free of this disease.

As we blow out the candles on our 13th birthday cake, know that every wish made is for our supporters—the real superheroes in this story. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our cause, and for helping us turn dreams of progress into impactful realities.

Here’s to many more years of unwavering commitment, determined spirit, and boundless hope. Together, we’ll continue to make an extraordinary difference.

The post We turn 13 and reach a significant milestone appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.

“It is one of the biggest days of the year with an important message, and we have some fun as well”, Association President Donna Jenkins said.

The District Association asked each player to donate $2 to the day and they also sold wristbands, icy cups and cupcakes. Everybody came along and supported a brilliant cause and they raised $1502 to help us #endcancer.

Donna went on to say they hope they can make their day bigger and better next year and we wholeheartedly agree and hope so!

Donna, thank you! To you, your board and your association, we are so incredibly grateful!

Check out out facebook page below and see the fantastic photos of all getting into the spirit. ‘Like’ our page while there – hint hint

The post Hervey Bay Pink Day 2021 appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.

Softball Queensland has formed a partnership with Play For a Cure to raise funds for cancer research.

Founded in late 2010 by Leigh Martyn, Play for a Cure is a volunteer-run organisation which aims to raise money for cancer research and provide support to patients and their families.

After losing her father, stepfather, friends, and members of the softball community to cancer Ms Martyn has been striving to find a cure ever since.

Now the not-for-profit organisation has joined forces with Softball Queensland to raise much needed funds for the worthy cause.

“Every person on the board is a softballer – all having played or administered the game at local and state level with Brooke representing Australia at 3 Olympics –,” Ms Martyn said.

“We are still involved in the game today and we have all been playing for Play for a Cure in Softball Queensland’s master’s team since 2010, with the exception of Debbie, who plays for Toowoomba Warriors.”

In addition to fundraising, Ms Martyn said the partnership would involve collaboration to increase exposure, awareness and involvement for both brands and the popular sport of softball.

“We have a lot of common supporters in this region, but with Softball Queensland on board our reach for the charity will double,” she said.

“Being a charity run by softballers and having built our foundations around softball, it’s great to have our state governing body coming on board.

“The more we are exposed the more beneficial it will be for patients; their families and researchers as will likely raise more funds and contribute towards ultimately finding a cure.”

As part of the special partnership Softball Queensland and Play for a Cure plan to host many sporting tournaments and events throughout the year including a fundraising golf day.

Softball Queensland chief executive officer (CEO) Ross Symonds said both organisations had been working on the initiative since December last year and were now finalising the remaining details.

“The board of Softball Queensland and I are excited to officially announce our partnership with Play for a Cure,” Mr Symonds said.

“Cancer is a disease that impacts so many people and lives and members of our own softball community have personally been impacted by it or lost loved ones.

“It’s a cause that is very close to our hearts and we look forward to working alongside Play for a Cure and raising funds for cancer research.”

All proceeds raised will be donated directly to cancer research.

Operational costs will be covered by MoU with Sports Camps Australia and Softball Queensland.

Details about the tournaments will be released in the coming months.

For more information visit www.qld.softball.org.au or www.playforacure.com.au

– ENDS –

About Softball Queensland: Softball Queensland aims to connect Queenslanders with softball throughout their lifetime and works to provide the softball community with a fun, engaging and collaborating environment. Softball is an inclusive sport that stives on promoting the value of its people, performance and participation.

Images and interviews with Softball Queensland CEO Ross Symonds and Play for a Cure founder Leigh Martyn can be arranged.

For interviews or further information please contact:
Rhylea Millar
Softball Queensland0430 558 054
rhymillar@gmail.com

The post A strategic partnership is formed! appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.

100% of the funds raised at these events will be donated to the 2 research laboratories where they are battling to understand and beat Ewings Sarcoma and Hodgkins Lymphoma – in honour of our two softball friends Kirsty Lester and Addie Clay. Kirsty is kicking butt in her battle against Ewings Sarcoma and Addie fought a great fight and has beaten Hodgkins Lymphoma.

The #p4ac 10 year head shave brought in over $9000, with special thanks to Jodie Wilson and her dad, Dean, for joining in and shaving in Woorim Bribie Island and contributing $1100+ to the head shave. Pink Panther Day brought in $2600+ and Pink Day for Kirsty $2300+. Amazing support from our wonderful softball community and #teamp4ac supporters.

The are endless folks to thank and their names have been captured in these videos – check them out and enjoy!

The post Researchers are the winners! appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.

Not only was the weather perfect, the turnout, the way the game was played, the people, and the results were next level!

Before we do the drumroll on the final figure, there are so many people we would like to thank, because without them, the day would not have been in anyway the success that it was.

Paul Crooks started it last year and Justin Street followed on this year in reaching out to his contacts and bringing so many sponsors on board. These kind hearted individuals and companies are the reason we had our best ever result for our annual Charity Golf Day. In supporting us, we ask that you support them. The full list of our sponsors is below.

• Wayne MacDougall of Tip Top
• James Tulloch of Simmonds Lumber Group
• Garry and Jenny McNamara of Let Minnow Cafe
• Oliver Fenelon of James Hardie Australia
• Shane Heit (our number 1 sponsor across all events) from Allmet Engineering
• John Schwabe of Megabeam
• Paul McIntosh of BBC Digital
• Ben Drewett of Pacreo Pty Ltd
• Debbie Payne of Tilling Timber Pty Ltd
• Paul Rutledge of Gunnersen Timbermark
• Justin Street of Trade Builders Supplies
• Graham Cutts of Delf Hardware
• Graeme Buckley of Hume Doors and Timber
• Matt Colley of Wesbeam
• Shane Greene from ITI Australia

Once the golf is over, the fun part is the awards and the raffle. Thank you to our donors who ensured we were able to provide some fantastic prizes to our winners. Like our sponsors, we ask that you support our donors when you can.

• Sealife Mooloolaba
• Nudgee Golf Course
• Let Minnow Cafe
• Vittoria Coffee
• A place to meat – Toombul
• Gordon Cowell Air Conditioning
• John Downs Golf Tours

Our 2019 Golf Sponsors

Our 2019 Golf Day Donors

We are lucky enough to also have those supporters, that although they couldn’t make the day, made substantial donations. Thank you:

• Shane Heit from Heit and Sons
• BBC Digital
• RKW Innovations
• CSR Bradford
• Paul Crooks

And of course, a huge thank you to all of those who played golf and bought raffle tickets, each and every one of you contributed to the succesful day we had and we look forward to seeing you all back on the course next year.

Thanks too, to Peter of Nudgee Golf Club – nothing is too much trouble for you! To Wendy Dunstan for taking the day off work and helping Leigh out (and being good company). To Brian Debert and his Golf Blog for getting more folk on board and for awarding the best dressed with a golf goodies pack made up by your good self. A special shout out to Brett Matheson from Decon who flew up from Melbourne to attend the day and bought an awful lot of tickets (WOW)!

The winners of the Golf day are listed below.

• Overall winners – Brian Debert and Ross Cook (Score 61.75)
• 2nd place – Mark Barnett and Shane Krueger (Score 64.25)
• 3rd place – Brent Crooks and Gregory Street (Score 64.25)
• 4th place – Bob Milne and Glen Wolfenden (Score 64.5)
• Nearest to Pin (3rd hole) – Tas Henry (wins coolest name too)
• Nearest to Pin (14th hole) – Brent Crooks
• Longest drive women – Fiona Kenny
• Longest drive men – Ross Cook

In wrapping up, the author of this note would like to thank our board member Graham McColm for the extraordinary effort he put in to ensuring our day was a success. Macca you nailed it!

And finally – the real winner of the day is the cancer research scientists because our PROFIT for the day came in at….remembering that our 1st golf day we netted $3,432 and last year $9,012……..$9735 making this our most successful golf day yet. We are so incredibly grateful!

To see some photos from the day, click here. Like our Facebook page while there so you can keep updated with our events. Thank you again!

Now what to do? Oh yes, something about a special dinner we are holding in October. To learn more, click here We want this event to be our biggest and most successful fundraiser, ever! Will you join us?

The post 3rd times a charm…. appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.

Our 2nd annual golf day exceeded expectations – can we go even better this year?

All funds raised will (as usual) go to support critical cancer research programs.

Get in quick as the positions fill up extremely quickly and we don’t want you to miss out.  Click here to secure your tickets.

There will be many great prizes on offer for both men and women participants on the day.

The format will be a 2 ball Ambrose.  The 2 person teams can be organised in any form either with both men or by both women or mixed, it doesn’t matter.

Anyone can register to play and any singles will be paired off on the day.

Further Information

• Carts need to be pre-booked
• If you have an AGU Handicap and a golf link number please provide at Registration
• If you do not have a handicap, one will be allocated on the day
• A food and drinks Cart will be available during the day
• RSVP is by 4th July
• Registration is from 8am at the Course and after the game we will enjoy a BBQ lunch with the awards ceremony.
• Sponsorship of holes is available (if interested, contact Leigh at leigh@playforacure.com.au)

At lunch, we will be hosting a raffle where some great prizes will be available.

INFORMATION FOR THE DAY

Nudgee Golf Club
1207 Nudgee Road Brisbane

Car Parking:  There is plenty of Car Parking available on site

Paying Registration:  if paying on the day, cash is preferred to pay for your registration and/or Lunch. Credit card facility is available however there is a 2% surcharge

(costs reminder is noted at the end of this sheet)

Time	Notes
8am	Players must arrive on time for sign-in and briefing
8.45 - 9.00am	Players  tee off  (shotgun start)
12.45 - 1.00pm	Lunch ONLY guests may arrive anytime however suggest around this time (children are not permitted in the pokies or bar area)
1.30 - 1.45 approx	Lunch, raffles and after match presentations
2.30 - 3.00pm	Day Concludes

What to bring and other FAQ’s:

Bring your Sunscreen, hat and Water

Strictly NO THONGS allowed in clubhouse

Bring cash for raffles if you wish to purchase tickets

Food and drinks cart will be available they are CASH ONLY

Reminder Costs

(non Nudgee GC member):

$70 Golf + Lunch

$90 Golf + Lunch (plus shared cart)

$25.00 Lunch Only (Adults)

Nudge GC Members

$45 Golf + Lunch

$60 Golf + Lunch (plus shared cart)

The post Come have a ‘Day on the Greens’ with Play for a Cure Foundation appeared first on Play for a Cure Foundation.