More than a year after completing cancer treatment, Harris Richardson is thriving – and his father, Tasmanian musician Tyler Richardson, is turning that journey into something powerful for the community.
Richardson, frontman of Luca Brasi and a 2026 Tasmanian Australian of the Year nominee, says his son has returned to daycare as “a healthy and happy little guy”.
Now, the Kingston father is preparing to launch the inaugural Hazzy Forever event, set to take place on April 11 at Domain Athletics Track in Hobart.
Participants can choose their own distance challenge and run laps to raise money for Tasmanian children and cancer research.
“Competitors pick a distance that challenges them and just run around and around and around until you go completely insane, basically,” Richardson said.
The Hazzy Forever Foundation recently received official charity and tax-deductible status after 18 months of informal fundraising.
“This will be our first inaugural event under our own banner,” Richardson said.
The event includes catering by Knuckle Sandwich and an after-party at Deep South brewery, which is releasing a specially-named “Hazzy Forever” hazy pale ale.
“They’re legends, man,” he said of the brewery. “They’re such good people.”
Richardson’s advocacy began when Harris was diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a one-year-old.
The family moved to Melbourne for treatment while the community raised more than $167,000 to support them.
Richardson successfully campaigned to have an expensive US cancer treatment added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, making it free for patients.
He has since become Tasmania’s first Lifeline Ambassador and continues fundraising for cancer research and Guide Dogs Tasmania.
“Our community that’s rallied around our family and also just the Hazzy Forever Foundation and kids in general has been amazing,” Richardson said.
“If you’re looking for a challenge and a fun day that really helps Tasmanians out, please get involved.”
Richardson encourages anyone interested to join the event, emphasising the community support that helped his family through their difficult period.
