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 8^th 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 8^th 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