Berwick’s Lauren Bourke (second from left) ran with the Queen’s Baton last Thursday much to the delight of her proud family (from left) Ashleigh, Linda, Stephen and Madeline. Absent: Lauren’s brother Nicholas.WHEN Berwick’s Lauren Bourke grasped the Queen’s Baton in her hand last week, the special day held a double significance.
Last Thursday marked eight years since the 22-year-old university student had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, and when she grabbed hold of the baton her proud family watched on with much emotion.
As a result of the tumour, Ms Bourke takes hormone replacement medication every day and has lost some vision.
But the Melbourne University arts and music student has not let her surgery or past experiences get in the way of her goals.
Ms Bourke coaches an under-11 and under-15 team at the Berwick Netball Club and has also done volunteer work in the music rooms at Beaconhills Christian College. The singer’s family nominated her for the Queen’s Baton Relay and Ms Bourke said she had been shocked to receive news she had been selected.
“I had no idea,” Ms Bourke said. “I got a call from my family asking me when I would be home. Then when I got there everyone was standing in the kitchen and I thought, ‘hang on, this is a bit suss’.
“I did not even know that I had been nominated, so this was such a big surprise.”
On the eve of her baton run Ms Bourke said she had some nervous jitters and was worried about falling over or breaking an ankle.
But following her run through Dandenong, Ms Bourke said she loved the experience and had a great time.
She said her parents Linda and Stephen and siblings Nicholas, Ashleigh and Madeline were very excited that she had been selected.
Ms Bourke said she hoped her run would show people anything was possible.
“Even though bad things happen you can turn them around and get through and come through the other side,” she said. “I hope this gives people hope.”
