Relay entrant proud of her achievement
Her commitment and dedication is being hailed by her team mates as impressive.
Tokoroa’s Carol- Ann Guard competed in her first mainstream relay in a team of 14 in the Relay 4 Life in Tauranga last weekend.
Relay For Life is the Cancer Society’s signature community activity.
The 25-year-old said the race was a fantastic event and the charity’s message is close to her heart.
‘‘It was a great race and I was up for 21 hours. I raced for the Dandelions ... Because I know people who have had cancer and the work that they do to fundraise for cancer is great so I wanted to help them,’’ she said.
The race is frequently described as a lifechanging experience. Ms Guard agrees and is encouraging more young women to compete next year.
‘‘I plan to do it next year too and I would like to see more young girls, more people who are around my age, compete in things like this because it is a good event.’’
The relay is an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers and remember those who died from cancer.
The race also included face painting,Irish dancing, aerial art performers and live entertainment throughout the 24 hours. ‘‘I am proud of myself,’’ Ms Guard said. ‘‘One of the challenges that I had to do along in the race was lift a tractor tyre on to another one. It was twice my weight but I still did it,’’ she said.