Relay for Life raises close to $ 180,000
THE inspiring story of a Townsville husband and wife who are both fighting cancer has spurred on more than 1200 people to walk in this year’s Relay for Life.
Gemma and Matt Flanagan were this year’s ambassadors and have been credited with drawing a big crowd to fundraise for Cancer Council Queensland.
Gemma was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer last year and, just six days later, Matt was diagnosed with colon cancer. This year’s theme was “Relay Around the World”, which inspired some very colourful outfits.
Event spokeswoman Sophie Carauna said final figures were still to be calculated but pre- registrations showed more than 1200 people took to Tony Ireland Stadium for the event on Saturday.
“Numbers were down on some previous years but it was still an amazing turnout,” she said. “There were lots of teams and the speeches really pulled on everyone’s heartstrings.”
This year’s event had a fundraising goal of $ 200,000.
“So far we have raised $ 164,000 but with on- the- day registrations and merchandise sales, I can see that going up to at least $ 180,000,” she said.