Glenn Brown 1988 - 2003

Glenn Brown

Glenn Brown, a Kalgoorlie schoolboy, who at just 15 years of age, lost his fight against cystic fibrosis.

Glenn loved music, singing, Hawaiian shirts, Holden cars and the Eagles. He was a funny, mischievous country kid who was always singing, playing pranks (like hiding in the cupboard from the physio’s) and meeting friends as he wandered around the hospital.

Each year the Melbourne Cup Lunch is held in memory of Glenn with the event raising over $564,000 for life-saving research.

What is cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. The exocrine system of people with cystic fibrosis malfunctions, meaning they develop excessively thick and sticky mucus within the lungs, airways and digestive system. This weakens the digestive functions of the pancreas and traps bacteria in the lungs resulting in recurrent infections, leading to irreversible damage to these organs.

A baby is born every four days with cystic fibrosis and sadly, there is currently no cure.

History of the Glenn Brown Memorial Fund

In the weeks before he passed away Glenn said he didn’t want to die, he wasn’t ready and he was worried he would be forgotten. Sadly he passed away at PMH at only 15 years of age due to cystic fibrosis.

During his time in the hospital, Glenn met Janeine and Alison, who are both mothers of children with cystic fibrosis.

When Glenn passed away, Janeine and Alison wanted to keep his memory alive and eight weeks later the first Melbourne Cup Lunch was held.

In 2011, they created the Glenn Brown Memorial Fund in collaboration with the Institute for Respiratory Health.

Since then the fund has supported ten research projects and has made a significant contribution to investigating the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.

How you can make a difference

You can help keep Glenn’s memory alive by attending the Melbourne Cup Lunch, donating towards the Fund or by becoming an event partner.

All funds raised go directly into supporting medical research to find new ways to prevent, diagnose, treat and cure cystic fibrosis.

We are greatful for the generosity our guests who attend the Melbourne Cup Lunch, the volunteers who give up their time and to the businesses who sponsor the event. We couldn't do it without you, so thank you!

Sponsors 2023

We are thrilled to have the following sponsors join us for 2023