Record relay’s family affair

THE Millar family has a tough story to tell, about mourning, loss, determination, and inspiration.

But this weekend it will mostly be that last point on display.

Like most of the more than 2000 entrants in the Hobart Relay For Life, the Millar family has been touched by cancer.

Aaron Millar, of Murdunna, lost his father and his father’s three siblings to cancer, in a display of how cruel the illness can be. But through the family’s hardship there’s a sense of unity, Mr Millar said.

He is one of 49 family members who will form Team Millar for today’s Relay For Life. The team has raised $11,000 for the Cancer Council in its first year of participation.

“Within my dad’s family, four people all under 65 have lost their lives to cancer so we as the surviving children and widows thought it was fitting to come together and commemorate them and also help with the fight,” Mr Millar said.

This year more Tasmanians than ever are showing their support for cancer research, with record numbers signed up for Hobart’s Relay For Life.

Cancer Council Tasmania chief executive Penny Egan said the Hobart event, which started 19 years ago, had reached a record 127 team entries, trumping the previous high of 122 recorded in 2008.

This year 2070 runners, walkers and rollers have registered and $288,000 has already been raised.

“Since its inception, Hobart’s Relay For Life has raised more than $5.5 million to help support Cancer Council Tasmania’s programs and this weekend we’re expecting more than 2000 people to take part in the 20hour event,” Mrs Egan said.

The charity event will kick off at 1pm at the Domain Athletic Centre, Hobart, and will finish at 9am on Sunday.

Further participant registrations will be taken at the event from 11am today.