Supporter stories
Live for Lily celebrates ten years of supporting childhood cancer research
In 2025, the Live for Lily Foundation (LFL) will celebrate its 10th anniversary of fundraising in memory of Lily Hester, who tragically passed away from liver cancer in 2014. Over the past decade, LFL has raised more than $2.5 million to support childhood cancer research.
Run entirely by volunteers, the Foundation directs its funding to programs at the Children’s Cancer Institute (CCI) and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), with a strong focus on improving outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer. In addition, LFL proudly supports the Zero Program, which ensures that all Australian children diagnosed with cancer receive personalised treatment tailored to their specific tumour. Through its funding efforts, LFL is dedicated to improving survival rates for children with cancer and advancing research towards a cure.
Funds are raised through two major events: the annual endurance Ride for Lily bike ride and a bi-annual gala Butterfly ball in Melbourne. These events bring together the broader LFL community in support of childhood cancer research.
In 2025, the Ride for Lily – known as “Pedal to Paradise” – will see 30 cyclists embark on a 1000km journey from Port Macquarie, New South Wales to Noosa, Queensland, over seven days. The ride will take participants through Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Byron Bay, Burleigh Heads and Brisbane, before reaching its final destination in Noosa.
Riders cover their own costs and train for more than six months, each raising a minimum of $5000, all of which goes directly to cancer research at CCI and MCRI. With a fundraising goal of over $300,000 in 2025, Pedal to Paradise will make a significant contribution to ongoing research efforts.
Image: Cyclists on the Ride for Lily
With the generous support of major sponsor Airport Toyota and the dedication of volunteers, the Ride for Lily follows a new and challenging 1000km course each year, mapped out by Lily’s father, Aaron. The ride is both a physical and mental test, though it does not compare to the challenges faced by children with cancer and their families.
As LFL enters its 10th anniversary year, the 2025 Ride for Lily will be especially significant. It will mark the 9th edition of the event and the first time it crosses into Queensland. Once again, it will bring the passionate community together in support of childhood cancer research.
MCRI is deeply grateful to the Live for Lily Foundation for their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children with cancer.
