Daughter on mission a decade after dad’s death
When Ellie Maher was just 10 years old, she lost her dad Pete to brain cancer – she shares the story ahead of an important event this weekend.
In March 2016, Pete Maher was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) following a seizure in December 2015. On July 1, 2016, he died while in a coma just months after his diagnosis.
The following year, Pete’s daughter Ellie and her family first took part in Walk4BrainCancer along with more than 50 family members and friends. They returned to do it all again in 2024 and 2025.
Now 20 years old, Ellie will join the walk for the third year in a row, saying the event helps keep her dad’s memory alive while helping other families avoid the heartbreak her own family experienced.
“Brain cancer changed my life forever when I lost my dad at just 10 years old,” Ellie said. “While the loss never goes away, participating in Walk4BrainCancer gives me a way to turn grief into action. For me, it’s not just a walk; it’s a way of keeping my dad’s legacy alive.”
She added that one of the most meaningful parts of participating in the event was seeing people come together around a cause that has affected so many.
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Through donations, encouragement and sharing stories, the support from the community helps contribute to a future with better treatment options.
“Walking alongside friends, family and others who have been impacted by brain cancer reminds me that no one is alone in their journey,” Ellie said.
Every year that she participates in the event organised by the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, Ellie proudly wears Pete’s favourite colour, purple, a gesture that makes her feel connected to her dad, while also serving as a visible reminder of who she is walking for.
“Even though he’s no longer here, his influence continues to shape who I am today,” Ellie said. “Every step I take is for him and for the memories we shared together.”
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Over the past 25 years, the foundation has invested more than $31 million into innovative brain cancer research, including clinical trials and pre-clinical research across paediatric and adult brain cancers.
Foundation CEO Andrew Giles said the milestone highlights the progress achieved and the work that still lies ahead.
“We have built research pipelines, strengthened global partnerships and helped bring clinical trials to Australia, yet survival rates have barely moved in decades. There is still so much more to do.”
Building on 25 years of progress and fundraising, Giles said community participation remains essential to accelerating progress.
“Every step taken through Walk4BrainCancer helps fund the next phase of clinical innovation. It is what allows promising research to move from the lab into trials, and ultimately into treatment options for patients who need them now.”
Brain cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in both children and adults under 40 in Australia, yet receives low research funding, according to the foundation.
“Join the walk,” Ellie Maher urges. “Whether you have a personal connection to brain cancer or simply want to support an important cause, every step and every donation makes a difference.”
Walk4BrainCancer Brisbane will take place at 7th Brigade Park in Chermside this weekend on Sunday, October 25, the 5km walk starts at 9am near Kidspace Playground.
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