Honouring Phil's legacy, one step at a time
Every step of the annual Run for Research carries special meaning for the On Pace Multisport community.
The 5km event honours the memory of beloved husband, father, and avid runner Phil Griff, who received treatment at Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane.
Organised by Phil's wife Sheree, alongside close friend Neil Jones, the event has grown into a meaningful fundraising initiative supporting cancer research through Icon Cancer Foundation. Each year, runners, walkers and supporters come together to celebrate Phil's legacy while helping create better outcomes for people affected by cancer.
As the second annual Run for Research approaches, Sheree reflects on her family’s journey, the power of community support and Phil’s enduring legacy.
Family grit
Few know endurance like a family navigating cancer treatment. For the Griff family, their journey began at the finish line of the 2015 Cairns Ironman.
Sheree noticed that Phil, usually unstoppable, was sluggish during his training.
“I thought he might pull out,” Sheree recalls, “I told him to, but he was stubborn.”
After the race, Phil never fully recovered, leading to tests that revealed leukemia.
The following months were a blur of tests and scans. Knowing they needed help, Sheree reached out to a family friend who recommended Icon Cancer Centre.
Over the next five years, the family pushed ahead, adapting to their new normal, with hospital visits becoming part of their daily life.
“We lived at Icon, with the nurses,” Sheree shares. “For years, that was home.”
Phil underwent multiple treatments, including a stem cell transplant, but unexpected complications arose.
Despite tireless efforts from Phil’s clinical haematologist, Associate Professor James Morton AM and the team at Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane, Phil passed away in December 2019, surrounded by his family and care team.
Stronger together: surrounded by support
Looking back, Sheree emphasises the importance of a strong support network, acknowledging the Icon team, her daughters’ school, and the tight-knit running community who surrounded her family and provided strength through the toughest moments.
“You can’t do it alone,” Sheree says. "If it wasn’t for the Icon Cancer Centre team, and all nurses who had been so caring and beautiful, we wouldn’t have had those moments together as a family.”
Some of Sheree’s greatest support came from the On Pace Multisport community, founded by close family friend Neil Jones.
“Training together was part of our life. We used to all hang out together,” Sheree recalls. “Neil and Phil had a special friendship.”
When Neil suggested a fun run in Phil’s honour, it felt like the perfect way to give back.
Sheree (left) with her daughters Jorja (right) and Caitlin (centre) at the Run for Research 2024.
Phil’s Gift
Last year’s Run for Research, was a moment of connection and gratitude.
Sheree remembers being overwhelmed by the outpouring of community and support. “You’re so proud and humbled that people around us put the effort into organising something like this,” she recalls.
“At least I can run. There are so many people across Icon Cancer Centre right now getting treatment who can’t run. How lucky am I that I get to do this?”
At the heart of these events is the desire to make an impact. Every person who lines up, and every dollar raised, helps fund vital cancer research through Icon Cancer Foundation, giving more people access to new treatments and better outcomes.
As Sheree says, “Run, walk, bring your dog, pram, crawl, jog, even just turn up and have a coffee. It’s just about being part of something.”
The Run for Research is a reminder that no one faces cancer alone. Together, we can work towards meaningful change.
This is Phil’s legacy – smiling, moving, being happy and celebrating life.
Thank you to the Griff family, Neil Jones and On Pace Multisport for organising the annual Run for Research in support of cancer research at Icon Cancer Foundation.
Disclaimer
The statements and opinions presented in these articles are those of the individuals featured and may not represent the experiences of others. They do not constitute endorsements or necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Icon Cancer Foundation (ICF), Icon Cancer Centres, or their affiliates. This information is general and does not replace medical advice. ICF is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this information and does not guarantee its completeness, accuracy, or reliability.