Melbourne Cup 2022 – A big thank you

The Glenn Brown Memorial Fund Melbourne Cup Fundraiser has raised more than $45,000 for cystic fibrosis (CF) research for 2022.

Geoff Stewart, Director of the Institute for Respiratory Health said, “We couldn’t achieve this amazing outcome without your help. Everyone that bought a ticket and supported the silent auction and other fundraising activities on the day have helped us reach this goal.

“Thank you to everyone involved from our sponsors, to volunteers and everyone that makes this event such a successful event annually.

“We are proud to say that every dollar raised goes directly to research projects to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with CF and bronchiectasis.”

The event has helped to raise more than half a million dollars for life-saving research and has supported nine Western Australian researchers to take bold steps forward in cystic fibrosis research.

Like Professor Yuben Moodley’s research into stem cell therapy that could help generate new lung cells.

Taryn Barrett was one of the keynote speakers at this year’s event. Her son, Connor has faced many challenges since he was diagnosed with CF at three weeks of age but she is hopeful that he has a brighter future ahead thanks to research.

Taryn had the whole room in tears with her moving speech, “I’m honoured to be invited to speak at this event and to share our story so far and our greatest hopes for the future.

“I love that this fundraising event honours the memory of such a beautiful boy while giving hope to those with CF, who have come after him, like our Connor.

“Glenn Brown was worried that he’d be forgotten but he continues to inspire through this event. This is thanks to two inspiring mums Janeine Thomas and Alison Guest who wanted to make sure that the 15-year-old fun loving boy’s memory would live on.”

Researcher Maggie Harrigan who received funding from the Glenn Brown Memorial Fund shared some of the outcomes into her research on how adults affected by CF view and value themselves as a person, to help improve their overall wellbeing.

In 2023 the life-changing fundraiser celebrates 20 years.

If you’d like to contribute to this game-changing fundraiser you can still donate here – fundraising.resphealth.org.au/mc-donations