ONE FAMILY, ONE MISSION

For most runners, crossing the finish line signals the end of the challenge. For Aaron Broderick, it represented something far greater. After running 78 kilometres across four events in two days, he and his family had raised $31,895 for Cure Cancer in memory of two women whose lives were cut short by cancer.

The Whitehaven Coal Fixed Plant and Mine Control Remote Operations Supervisor never set out to lead one of the Gold Coast Marathon weekend’s highest fundraising teams. What began as a way to remember his sister, Kayla, has grown into a family mission that continues to inspire others to challenge themselves while supporting life-changing cancer research.

Aaron’s own path to the mining industry was just as unexpected.

Originally a primary school teacher, a family holiday to Blackwater during the September school holidays in 2007 changed the course of his career. He entered the mining industry as a dragline cleaner and trade assistant before being offered an adult apprenticeship as an electrician.

After twelve years living and working in Blackwater, he moved back to Brisbane in 2019 to join BHP’s Remote Operations Centre as a controller. Today, he leads Whitehaven Coal teams that remotely support both fixed plant and mine control operations across the company’s Queensland sites.

After completing his first marathon last year alongside his nephew, while his son ran the half marathon, Aaron returned this year with nine members of his family joining him to take on events ranging from the 5km through to the marathon. Aaron and his son challenged themselves to complete all four adult events across the weekend.

“One of the most rewarding parts wasn’t crossing the finish line, it was watching family members achieve distances they never believed they could,” Aaron said.

“Seeing their confidence grow and knowing we were doing it together for a cause that means so much to our family made every kilometre worthwhile.”

Kayla’s story remains the driving force behind every kilometre.

“My sister, Kayla, was diagnosed with cancer at just 23 years of age and was given only six months to live.

“Despite those odds, she fought with incredible strength, courage and determination for another 16 years before sadly passing away at the age of 39.”

The challenge became even more personal after the family also lost Theresa, the grandmother of Aaron’s nieces and nephews, to cancer earlier this year.

“Losing both of them has been incredibly difficult, but it has also given us a deep appreciation for the resilience shown by people living with cancer and the emotional journey their families experience alongside them.

“Running this challenge is our way of remembering Kayla and Theresa while helping create hope for other families. Every kilometre we run and every dollar we raise supports the research that gives people facing cancer a better chance at longer, healthier lives. If our efforts can help another family have more time together, then every step is worth it.”

By marathon morning, Aaron had developed a sore left knee while his son was battling shin splints. With 42.2 kilometres still ahead of them, they warmed up on exercise bikes before the start, trying to ease the pain before setting off.

“There were definitely moments when the body wanted to stop.

“But what kept us moving was knowing why we were there. We had so many generous people who had believed in us and donated to Cure Cancer, and we didn’t want to let them down.

“More importantly, we kept reminding ourselves that the discomfort we were feeling would last a few hours. For people undergoing cancer treatment, the physical and emotional challenges can last months or years. Keeping that perspective gave us the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other until my son and I crossed the finish line together.”

The team’s original fundraising goal was $18,000, but the generosity of family, friends, Whitehaven workmates, sponsors and the wider mining community quickly pushed them well beyond that target. A charity golf day at Sandy Gallop Golf Club in Ipswich attracted a full field of players and helped lift the final total to $31,895, making them one of the highest fundraising teams across the Gold Coast Marathon weekend.

“I simply want to say thank you to everyone who supported us.

“Whether you donated, attended the golf day, shared our story or encouraged us along the way, you played a part in making this possible. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps fund vital cancer research and gives hope to families facing cancer.

“We couldn’t have done it without you.”

At the beginning of this year, Aaron struggled to run more than one kilometre consistently. Completing 78 kilometres across four events in a single weekend was something he never imagined possible.

“This experience taught me that the mind is often stronger than the body gives it credit for.

“More than the physical achievement, I’ve learnt that meaningful goals aren’t reached overnight. They are built one small step, one training session and one decision at a time. When you combine determination with a purpose greater than yourself, incredible things can happen.”

Aaron already expects an even bigger team to line up next year, and he hopes others will be inspired to take on their own challenge.

“My advice is simple, start small, be genuine, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. You never know how many people your passion might inspire.

“If sharing our story encourages just one more person to get involved or support cancer research, then it’s been worth every step.”