A BUCK PASSES ON THE RELAY BATON

FOR 14 years, Anne Miller (right) has walked lap after lap for the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life fundraiser.

The Corio woman’s mother, Wendy Miller, died 12 years ago after a long battle with breast and throat cancers.

Ms Miller started taking part in the Relay for Life because she saw it as a way she could contribute to research and ultimately help find a cure for cancer.

But this year instead of camping at an oval, she will be logging in to the first virtual edition of the event amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Participants can take part in an online relay where every dollar donated moves the baton 1km along the path, “passing the baton” to the next donor to take further.

The Cancer Council has set a goal of 20 laps of Australia by June 25, to represent the 20 years Relay for Life has been held across the country.

Cancer Council Victoria community engagement manager Cara Davey said the new online offering gave the community a chance to rally together safely.

“Relay for Life brings communities together to celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost and empower teams of families, friends and colleagues to raise funds and fight back against cancer,” Ms Davey said.

Ms Miller has urged anyone who can to sign up, log in and make a difference.

“The relay is about community together, what I love best is at 3am or 4am there is someone still walking around the track or running and the happy faces,” she said.

“(The online event) isn’t ideal, but it’s about keeping the message going and continuing the support from the community.”

Participants will also be able to share their tribute and donation to their social media channels, spreading hope and supporting those impacted by cancer.

Further information on Relay Australia is available at cancercouncilfundraising. com.au/relay-for-life