The event is on Sunday May 14 and includes a five kilometre walk and a run category.

As the major fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the MDC has contributed more than $30 million to breast cancer research since its inception 20 years ago.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation receives no government funding, community fundraising events such as the Mother’s Day Classic are important.

The walk and run sections take in the beautiful Hastings River.

Classic CEO Sharon Morris says the five year survival rate for someone with breast cancer is now 90 percent.

“Research has directly led to improvements in prevention, early diagnosis and treatments,” she said.

“However, for those with advanced cancer the survival rate is only 22 per cent - so we need to fund more research in this space. The more we know about the different types of breast cancer, the more successful we will be in developing tailored treatments.”

In 2017 the Mother’s Day Classic are aiming to raise more than $4 million for breast cancer research.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council mayor Peter Besseling has participated in the event since it commenced in Port Macquarie.

“The event is particularly special on Mother’s Day as a lot of families have been affected by the trauma of breast cancer,” he said.

“It makes for a special connection and we can celebrate survivors whilst also raising money for a good cause.”

The Port Macquarie event also supports local community cancer-related groups such as the Port Macquarie Pink Girls.

Members of the Pink Girls are regular participants in the local event and are also involved as Volunteers. In 2016 their additional fundraising efforts raised funds to go towards a chemotherapy chair for the Port Macquarie Base Hospital – providing a much-needed resource for local cancer sufferers.

To get more information on the Port Macquarie event go to www.facebook.com/port.mdc or to register, go to www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/register