Community
12 February, 2026
Cancer survivor inspires fundraiser
WATCHING her mother battle stage four cancer has inspired a Mortlake College school captain to lead the school’s upcoming Relay for Life efforts.
The heartbreak 170,000 Australians and their families experience each year is something Mortlake College school captain and Year 12 student Isabella Pickford knows all too well.
When she was a toddler her mother was diagnosed with stage four melanoma.
Her mother endured years of surgeries and chemotherapy, with her life ultimately saved after participating in clinical trials.
The bravery her mother showed inspired Isabella and other students to take part in Cancer Council’s Relay for Life, which will see people across the country pacing their way through the kilometres in the name of raising money to support those living with cancer.
“We’re raising money for Cancer Council research, and we hope to raise $5000 because that’s how much it takes for one person to get put on a clinical trial,” Isabella said.
“The main reason we brought this up is became my mum has stage four melanoma and clinical trials saved her life.
“When I was little she was very active in Cancer Council research and participated in other people’s Relay for Life, so it was a big reason we wanted to put one on here.”
Isabella was not alone in her courage to share the impact cancer has had on her life, with staff following her lead in sharing their own stories.
This included assistant principal Anne De Manser, who shared her story of having a melanoma removed from her leg, teacher Amy Lodge having several surgeries to remove skin cancers from her face and neck, and teacher Geoff De Manser having multiple basal cell carcinomas removed from his face.
“It’s amazing to raise awareness,” Isabella said.
“The wider community and our school community have banded together to share their stories, which shines a light on the subjects and shows the purpose in why it is so important.
“This isn’t just one person – everyone is bringing together their stories, cancer affects one in three people, so almost everyone has some connection to it.
“We want to share those stories with everyone.”
Year 11 student Cameron Goddard said he was thrilled to see the level of support.
In addition to the event having already raised $1700 at the time of publication, a range of local businesses have jumped on board to sponsor the event – even fundraisers require fundraising to grow from being just an idea.
“It’s amazing to see,” Cameron said.
“I hope it keeps going because it’s so great that the community is getting behind it, businesses are chipping in and everyone is noticing what we're trying to achieve.”
Year 12 student Sarah Russell said she was proud to see the way the student cohort, staff and wider school community had rallied behind the concept.
“It’s a student-led idea, so we’re all in a team doing it,” she said.
“Everyone is joining, everyone has their own stories to tell, and that only adds to it.
“It makes it more impactful – it makes it a better day when everyone is there, can talk about their stories or just contribute.
“It makes the school a community, which is why we’re all so close.
“We’re lots of people, but we’re all together.”
Year 12 student Ella Maher said the event would also serve as a unifying presence, providing a day of fun and laughter while proactively supporting those enduring a time which is not as fun.
“It’s a good way to contribute to fixing a large problem, which we can address in a positive way,” she said.
“Cancer is sad, but the fact we can approach this in a fun way makes it easier for people to join together and make a difference.”
The Mortlake College Relay for Life will be held on March 6 from 7am to 7pm, at the school.
To support Mortlake College in its Relay for Life initiative or to get involved visit https://www.relayforlife.org.au/event/mortlake-college-2026/home.
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