United they relayed

NOT even a scorching sun overhead could dampen the enthusiasm of more than 300 participants at Warrnambool’s Relay for Life last Saturday.

By Staff Writer

Emmanuel College students (from left) Tori Hintum, Matilda Stevens, Grace Watt and Lucy Stewart were among 45 year 12s from the school who took part in last Saturday’s Relay for Life in Warrnambool. More than 300 walkers showed resilience in the heat, raising more than $60,000 for the Cancer Council.

As the thermometer rose to almost 40 degrees in the afternoon, participants continued to brave the heat on their way to raising a whopping $63,257 for Cancer Council.

The day clearly portrayed all that Relay for Life stands for – empowering communities to come together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones, and fight back against cancer.

Organiser Jodie Carey and her team of volunteers were absolutely thrilled with the event, saying the money raised far exceeded the group’s initial $55,000 target.

“We are just so thrilled with how the event went; the resilience and persistence everyone showed in such hot conditions was just amazing,” Jodie said.

“Initially we had about 350 walkers from across 34 teams registered and only a very small number pulled out because of the heat.

“To walk laps for 10 hours in 39 degree heat was certainly tough but it was nowhere near as tough as the journey that cancer patients and their carers, families, loved ones and friends endure.

“Once again it was a very emotional day and I thank everyone who shared their stories, who walked, who donated, who performed, who volunteered on the committee and who sponsored – it was a huge team effort.”

And with another month until banking is finalised for this year’s event, Jodie is predicting the Warrnambool Relay for Life could possibly surpass the $70,000 mark.

“This has been one of our best and biggest years in our 22-year history of running relays at Warrnambool,” Jodie said.

“All of this money will go towards Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services so I urge all those who haven’t yet donated, to give what they can, if they can.

“Statistics show that in the Warrnambool region alone, about 230 people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Sadly, cancer is something that touches every one of us one way or another.”

Relay participants continued their generosity throughout the afternoon, purchasing tinned food and paper memory bags for what was a very moving candlelight ceremony and quiet lap of reflection at dusk.

As a result of the tin purchases, 83 kilograms of tinned food and five kilograms of apples was donated to Western District Food Share earlier this week for distribution to those in need.

Just prior to the event’s closure, the Spirit of Relay award was presented to Emmanuel College.

A large group of year 12 students from the college, armed with water pistols, provided some much-welcome relief to fellow walkers throughout the afternoon.

Team Four Leaf Clover was named best dressed and decorated team while the highest fundraising team this year was Magical Memories with almost $10,000.