In loving memory of River Watkins and for all kids with DMG
River Watkins was an exceptional kid. He exuded pure joy, always bestowing his huge smile, giggles and affection on his family and friends. He had a calm way about him, always wiser than his years. He moved through his life with a gentleness, always kind to everyone and had a soft spot for all animals, especially his dog, Peggy.
He had an endearing silly side, always finding the funny side and making jokes with his sister, Coco. He had an infectious laugh that would make everyone else laugh with him. He was a passionate and gifted athlete – River never met a sport he didn’t love and would give every game 110%. He was a stand-out in AFL, soccer, tennis, basketball and running. He would spend hours perfecting his left foot banana kick for footy. He had big dreams of an AFL career, and he had the quiet determination, strength plus the skill to have made his goal come true.
River was a talented student - at school he was curious and clever and his talents shone brightly. He was an adored friend to many. He had a strong sense of right from wrong, and he always did the right thing. He made his family so incredibly proud every day. We were so incredibly lucky to have him.
A month before his 8th birthday, an MRI revealed a large thalamic tumour in River’s brain. Following a biopsy, River was diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) – an aggressive terminal brain cancer with no treatment or cure. River endured 3 brain surgeries, several MRI’s and CT scans, countless needles and pokes and constant neurological checks over the following weeks. River showed unwavering bravery and strength throughout it all – he never complained or cried once. A true superhero.
Devastatingly, River passed away less than 3 weeks after his diagnosis in the early hours of the morning after his 8th birthday. He is so loved and leaves a legacy that will carry his extraordinary spirit forward.
River's Legacy
River’s Race exists to honour River and ultimately contribute to changing the fate of other kids faced with a DMG/DIPG diagnosis. Our mission is to harness our heartbreak into meaning by raising awareness and supporting researchers to find new treatments so that DMG will no longer be a death sentence and future families won’t have to live with the reality of losing their child.
DMG/DIPG has been referred to as the Mt Everest of cancers. An incredibly difficult climb but not impossible. Funding is what helps us make it to the summit and save children’s lives.
There have been no treatments for DMG in over 60 years, but your donations and support can change this.
Join the race for a cure with us! We are so grateful for every dollar donated.
Register for the 2026 River's Race
A big thank you to our Supporters
The real heroes who are kindly helping us achieve our goal
Fiona Hohnen
$540
Yasmin Broughton
$1.84k
Dena Stavrianou
$163
Anonymous
Fabulous inclusive local community event
$56
Samantha Duly
$121
Emily Whelan
$430
El Aleman Loco
Thank you for having us be part of such a meaningful event. We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute and support a wonderful cause that makes a positive difference in the community.
$221
Nadia Samie
❤️
$163
George Galvin
$18
Dan Johnson
$107
Oliver Mahé
$540
Kirstie M
$269
Paul Tan
$269
Anonymous
$163
Lauren Welch
$1.3k
Linley Murdoch
$56
Michelle Reid
$100
Michelle R
$56
Linda Fico
$20
Jo & Martin
$217
Mcinnes Family
$217
Shona Curtin
$56
Ash Omahony
$55
Rachel Martin
$12
Anonymous
$40
Selby Lee-steere
$55
Ria Rovira
$107
Kristen Zuvela
$56
Anonymous
$56
Anonymous
$269
Samantha Wray
$6
Vanessa Badaraco
$12
Oscar & Lochie
$34
Joanna Ferris
$107
The Pickup Family
Our son Spencer loved playing with River in the Redbacks. This is such a beautiful community event to remember him and raise money towards the cause for a cure. We look forward to participating for years to come.
$107
Sasha Burnham
$56
Steve Jamieson
Brilliant event and cause great work everyone.
$163
Linda
Thank you for the fairy floss!
$18
Roohi Family
$269
Anonymous
$56
Lizzie Cann
$6
Susan Faulkner
$6
Anonymous
Sharing with you in the memory of River who has already touched so many lives
$24
Camille Harford
$56
Brianna Martin
$107
Conor Murtagh
$56
Elle Markel
$217
M Carroll
In support of those affected and those working hard to progress treatment
$56
Emme Goldfinch
❤️
$107
Anonymous
$56
Tanya Sarich
$540
Nicholas Mckenzie
$150
Anonymous
$24
Naomi Moylan
$56
Michael Nitsche
$540
Linley Murdoch
$56
Auri Ballantyne
Hope everyone has a great race day 💙🏃🏼♂️
$56
Clara Hurst
For River, his brave family, and other families facing DMG. Sending love and strength ❤️🩹
$1,000
Catherine Mccunn
Remembering an exceptional boy who shone brightly. Well done to his family for all you’ve achieved already with River’s Race.
$56
Harriet Page
$150
Cassie Connolly
So tragic. My heartbreaks for your family. Run well x
$56
Kristin Zed
$56
Emilie Drexel
$34
Craig Iapozzuto
Thankyou for sharing Rivers story, and having the strength to fight for a cure. Having two kids similar to his age, learning about River through “August with River” has really helped deepen the connection with my kids, and value the time we have together.
$56
Natasha Jordan
$25
Tennis Approach Cottesloe
River was always so happy playing tennis at the club with his friends. Hope the race is a great success.
$1.04k
Willow Banfield
$107
Kat Baigent
$24
Jade Rubino
For beautiful River & finding better treatments for DMG. Love & strength to the Watkins family ❤️
$1,000
Kate Minorhan
$163
Anonymous
$540
Maddi + Steven Wilby
$107
House Business Group
$5.04k
Callum Mccracken
$540
Saoirle Mccallion
$107
Anonymous
For River and his beautiful family
$217
Evan Litis
$1.04k
Ben Elliott
$1,000
Kevin Hu
$107
Victor Zhang
$500
Nick Edwards
$56
Nick Edwards
$56
Yen Chia
Comfort and strength to your family ❤️🩹
$24
Christabel Ellis
$12
The Niece
$100
Verto Projects
$1.54k
Stacey & John Hill
sending loves and happy to help where we can
$24
Icon (wa)
$2.5k
Anonymous
$5k
Lee-anne Raeside
$269
Anonymous
$12
Mark Luca
$12
C Forde
$56
Anonymous
$24
Cheryl De Beyer
$24
Shirley Barroy
$269
Tinka Truninger
$56
Abbey Jones
$24
Trent Ivicevic
💙
$440
Manuel Torralbo Portillo
$55
For Blanc voucher