When Runners for Razzel unite on the Gold Coast on the weekend of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon (June 30 – 1 July), there will be one thing on their mind – the memory of Rae Twidale.

Runners for Razzel is a team of Gold Coast family members honouring the memory of Rae Twidale by participating in four different races over the two-day event in a bid to raise money for Cancer Council Queensland, the event’s official charity partner.

Rae lost her battle to chronic lymphocytic leukemia in December 2010 and her daughter, Deborah Frugtniet, said the Gold Coast Airport Marathon was the perfect event to remember her mum.

“After mum’s passing, everyone in the family wanted to get fit and healthy and wanted to ensure the same message was passed onto our children,” said Deborah.

“I never thought I would ever be able to run the ASICS Half Marathon and it is through honouring mum’s philosophy of dreaming big I am now competing in one.”

Deborah remembers her mother as a lady who was always positive and thought everything was possible.

“Mum’s mantra was not if but when. Her dreams were endless and she always wanted the best for everyone around her,” said Deborah.

“Mum didn’t let the idea of dying restrict her. She didn’t want the negative energy around her and it was for that reason she never told us her cancer was fatal until two days before her passing.

“We didn’t have the opportunity to give mum the recognition she deserved and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be an annual event where we plan to honour her memory.”

Runners for Razzel currently consists of 16 of Rae Twidale’s closest family and friends and are hoping to raise $10,000 for Cancer Council Queensland.

“I want to raise money for Cancer Council Queensland in the hope others don’t have to feel the same heart break as my family has suffered.”

Cancer Council Queensland is the state’s leading organisation dedicated to reducing the impact of cancer and is proud to be the official charity of the 2012 Gold Coast Airport Marathon for the seventh year running.

Donations for Runners for Razzel and Cancer Council Queensland can be made at the team’s Everyday Hero Fundraising Page

Individual and team entries for the 2012 Gold Coast Airport Marathon are still open. For more information or to enter visit our website.