Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Relay for cancer a lifeline for many
‘‘‘If getting donations can help a family going through cancer then that’s the least we can do.’’
Julie’s People have so far raised over $1685 in sponsorship for this year’s event.
‘‘I think we do so well with the fundraising as so many people knew Julie,’’ said Holder. ‘‘She was an amazing person who touched many lives.’’
‘‘If getting donations can help a family going through cancer then that’s the least we can do,’’ she added.
According to Spencer, they had so far had a good response from local businesses with sponsorship.
‘‘Marlborough Lines are back as our major sponsor and have a competitive team entered to do the Relay too!’’ said Spencer.
A Marlborough Lines spokesperson said that some of their team members were doing the race as they had personally survived cancer, were currently going through it, or were doing the relay in memory of a loved one.
‘‘One of our employees has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has found the support they have received as having a huge impact on their mental state and continued mental health and well-being,’’ the spokesperson said.
‘‘It has meant they have been able to focus on what’s important, such as time with family and ensuring things are in order.’’
Sometimes this is as simple as talking with someone, and for others it’s about what assistance can be offered, they added.
The event will begin at 6pm on Friday, March 19 and conclude at 6am the following morning.
‘‘Based on participant feedback, we’re trialling a Friday/Saturday event, leaving Sunday to recover or spend time with family,’’ said Spencer.
‘‘This year we’ve invited the Kete Kai Street Market to the event, providing food and crafts from 6pm – 9pm alongside the relay,’’ she said.
‘‘We hope this might encourage our wider community to come along for the evening, check out the market, live entertainment and cheer on relay teams on their 12-hour challenge,’’ she added.
Spencer went on to say that the candlelight ceremony is always a poignant part of the event not to be missed.
‘‘Decorated candle bags are placed around the relay track, and participants walk in darkness with candlelight illuminating the bags to remember their loved ones,’’ she said.
‘‘We have candle bags in the office that anyone can purchase and decorate for $5, or come along on the night and there will be a station set up to decorate a candle bag.’’
The Relay For Life begins with a moving opening ceremony, which concludes with cancer survivors and carers leading the first lap of the event.
Team members then take to the track, with most walking for 30-60 minute intervals. Some may jog or run, and each team is asked to have one member on the track at all times, passing the team baton between members.
When not on the track, participants enjoy a festive, family-friendly environment with activities and entertainment.
Each team has their own campsite, and many teams theme and decorate their campsite or use it to sell goods for extra fundraising.
The event is not a race and is suitable for all fitness levels. Participants can walk or run at their own speed and do as many or as few laps as they like.
For more information, or to register for the event, go to https://marlborough. relayforlife.org.nz