General News
21 February, 2024
Relay for Life this weekend
ONE of Australia’s most-loved charity events, Relay for Life, will take place at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus tomorrow (Saturday).
Now in its 25th year in Australia, Relay for Life has seen more than 143,000 participants across the country raise more than $14 million each year.
Relays are now held in every state and territory, with every dollar raised going towards funding Cancer Council’s vital research, prevention and support programs – many of which help people in local communities every day.
The Warrnambool event will celebrate its 21st year tomorrow and local sisters Jodie Carey and Emily Veale are hoping for a big turnout at Deakin University, starting at 12 noon.
“Relay for Life is a fun experience that unites a community,” they said.
This year, Warrnambool participants are aiming to raise $50,000.
“We’re planning a big celebration at our relay; people can participate either on their own or in a team so we’re hoping local schools, clubs, teams and organisations will join us and help create awareness and funds.”
Jodie, Emily and their family will be walking for their beloved mum who sadly lost her battle to cancer 11 years ago.
Another to participate will be Warrnambool’s Francesca Hynes who said she has had multiple levels of motivation to take part in Relay for Life for the last 20 years.
“Initially, when I had first walked one of my grandparents had died of cancer,” she said.
“I was also part of a Relay for Life team at the primary school where my children attended.”
Francesca continued to be involved in Relay for Life with her colleagues at St John of God Warrnambool Hospital.
“We have oncology services here, and I see the most beautiful people come in for treatment. It was not a difficult thing to go out and walk and do that considering what they go through. They really do the hard yards.
“I found for me, personally, that by doing Relay for Life, I was doing something positive. I took part because I saw the importance of raising money and awareness and to achieve better outcomes for people affected by cancer,” Fran said.
Warrnambool Relay for Life has helped raise $2 million over 21 years.
“Every year, it astounded me how much the community could raise together,” she added.
Francesca said one of the best things about Relay for Life is that you can be whoever you want to be.
“If you want to be upset, you can be. If you want to be there as a support for someone, you can be. Relay for Life means different things for different people, and each event is uniquely beautiful,” she said.
“Cancer Council is such a trusted brand, and you know by getting involved it’s making a positive impact.”
Cancer Council Victoria’s community giving manager Renee Gani said Relay for Life is helping achieve a cancer-free future.
“As a not-for-profit, we rely on the generosity of the community to fund our vital programs and services. Through support from events like Relay for Life, more than 61,000 Australian lives have been saved over the last 25 years.
“Improvements in cancer prevention and screening mean that less people will hear the words, “you have cancer”. Advances to cancer treatments allow those impacted by cancer to spend more time with their loved ones.
“These achievements are only possible through the support of people like you. By continuing to participate in Relay For Life we will save more lives,” Ms Gani added.
