Side-by-side for a good cause
Best friends Saffron Caldwell and Alara Thomson completed their 10th Taranaki Relay for Life event side-by-side at the weekend.
The 12-year-olds have committed much of their young lives to raising money and cancer awareness in memory of Alara’s mother, Julie, who died from the disease a decade ago. They were two of about 600 participants who took part in the annual Cancer Society 12-hour relay on Saturday at TET Stadium in Inglewood.
The arena had a festive atmosphere, with a live band playing while walkers and runners sporting colourful costumes made their way around a track lined with tents.
Quietly-spoken Alara appreciated having Saffron, who has been her friend since early childhood, walk beside her.
‘‘It’s really nice,’’ the Sacred Heart Girls’ College student said.
The girls and members from both of their families made up a team called Julie’s Jellybeans. The group took part in memory of people they knew who had died of cancer.
Saffron recently raised $2160 to put towards the team’s fundraising efforts by shaving her hair, which had been nearly half a metre in length.
‘‘It felt helpful to be able to do that, to be able to help other people going through hard times,’’ the Bell Block School student said.
Fundraising and event co-ordinator Cassie Rowe said the day had been ‘‘incredible and indescribable’’.
‘‘It’s been quite emotional to see everyone supporting each other and remembering those they have lost. We’ve all got someone we’re relaying for.’’
The day, which saw 49 teams take part, began at 10am with an opening ceremony and followed shortly after with a survivors’ lap.
At last count, the event had raised around $167,000 with Rowe saying they hoped the final tally would hit $200,000. The funds would go towards cancer research, education and support services.