Lives touched by relay

By Kath Gannaway
TEAMS in the Yarra Ranges Relay for Life held at Mt Evelyn on the weekend braved the elements to raise thousands of dollars for cancer research.
More than 400 people in 25 teams set up camp at Morrison Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
The 18-hour relay started with the survivors and carers lap in blistering heat but walkers who drew the early morning roster found themselves gearing up against pelting rain and almost gale-force winds while team-mates battened down the hatches – with varying degrees of success.
Their inspiration had come from personal experience but it was given a pre-relay boost by Cancer Council representative Deb Stringer as the event got underway.
“I want you to truly believe that what you do here will make a difference for people with cancer now and in the future,” she said.
She said 60 per cent of people now survive cancer and added that the money already raised, around $35,000, would pay for a researcher for six months.
Relay patron Shire of Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan said he was proud to see so many people from around the shire, and from further afield, taking part.
“It is quite an achievement that we have doubled the numbers this year. This is what community is about,” he said.
Pastor Ron Buckland delivered the message of hope at a moving candlelight ceremony and at dusk hundreds of candles were lit to illuminate powerful messages of love and loss.
Many tell also of the courage, strength and inspiration of cancer survivors and those who did not survive.
Cancer Council team representative Sean Davidson said the event had been outstanding for many reasons.
“I had people from the Cancer Council here last night and they were just blown away with what they saw – the teams, the colour and the participation.”
Mr Davidson said the number of young people involved added a great dynamic to the event and he praised the commitment of the committee which he said had pulled together a very successful event.
“On top of all that, you should all feel really proud. This is your relay,” he said to the crowd who huddled together in the main marquee to get out of the rain for the closing ceremony.
Plans are already underway for next year’s Relay for Life which it is anticipated will again be held at Mt Evelyn.
Relay chairwoman Lyndall Parsons said the committee would build on what had been an amazing event.
“I have already had people coming forward to sign on for next year’s committee and our aim would be to get more teams involved from all around the shire,” she said.
Ms Parsons said she was delighted with the official tally of $40,000 but added she expected it could go as high as $50,000.
“Anyone at all who contributed to this event, as a team or committee member, people who have supported the teams fund-raising events, the local businesses who came through with everything from donations of food and prizes to marquees and a semi-trailer for the stage, the performers, the wonderful Freemasons caterers and so many others, can feel very proud,” she said.