Relay raises funds and puts cancer in spotlight

Get a team together and start fundraising for the Cancer Society’s 2013 Relay For Life.

Registrations are open for the annual fundraising event, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary and Waikato residents are being urged to register their team now.

‘‘ Early registration gives your team plenty of time to fundraise,’’ said Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society spokeswoman Rachael Mounsey.

‘‘We are encouraging teams to set a fundraising goal of $200 per team member so the earlier you can get started, the better. There is also the Davidson Shield up for grabs, which is awarded to the team who raises the most money.’’

Relay For Life is not just about fundraising for the Cancer Society.

The event opens with a special lap of honour for cancer survivors, who walk the track while cheered on by par- ticipants. At dusk the track is lit up with hundreds of decorated candle bags in remembrance of loved ones lost to cancer.

‘‘ With one in three New Zealanders affected by cancer, everyone has their own story about how the disease has touched their lives,’’ said Rachael.

‘‘Relay For Life gives us the chance to stand with our community and talk about cancer while celebrating with those who have come through a cancer journey and remembering our loved ones we have lost. It’s this that makes Relay such a treasured and important community event.’’

Participants are in teams of 10 or more and must keep their team’s baton moving around the track for the 22-hour event.

Only one team member needs to be on the track at any time.

‘‘Relay For Life is not a race and you don’t need to be a marathon runner to participate. Do one lap or 100 laps, it’s about team spirit and working together to keep the baton moving,’’ explained Rachael.

‘‘There is plenty happening to keep you going throughout the night with bands, performers and competitions running.

‘‘ While some participants only stay for a few hours, many teams camp overnight, creating a tent-city with a real festival-like atmosphere.’’

Rachael would like to encourage teams from anywhere in the Waikato to enter.

‘‘We have a great mixture of teams, including businesses, community groups, schools, friends and families. Relay For Life is a real community event with people of all ages and from all walks of life participating.’’

The 2013 Relay For Life will be held from 2pm on Saturday, March 9 to noon on Sunday, March 10 at AgResearch, Ruakura in Hamilton.

All funds raised through Relay For Life stays in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region and assists the Cancer Society to provide supportive care for cancer patients, their carers, whanau and friends, fund cancer research and provide the public with information on the ways to reduce the risk of cancer through a smoke free, sun smart, healthy lifestyle.

For more information or to register a team visit: relayfor life. org. nz, email events@ cancersociety.org.nz or phone 07 838 2027.