Rainy relay raises cancer funds
Cancer doesn’t sleep, nor does it stop for bad weather, as the 600-strong crowd at the Rangiora Showgrounds knew all too well when they walked though the night on Saturday to raise awareness and money for the Cancer Society.
The North Canterbury Relay for Life kicked off in fairly good walking conditions, not too hot but still dry, on Saturday afternoon.
But by the time night fell the rain had set in and it persisted for the duration of the event, which finished with the closing ceremony on Sunday at 10am.
Yet North Canterbury Relay for Life chair Chris Westwood saw the rain as a good reminder of the inconvenience of the indiscriminate disease, which affects so many families on a daily basis.
‘‘It was not the best [weather] but people walked through the rain with warm hearts,’’ he said.
‘‘Regardless of the weather, cancer doesn’t care.’’
The event began with a lap around the course by cancer survivors and carers, after which the 18-hour relay started in earnest, a parade of colour and enthusiasm for the cause.
Face-painted participants young and old donned tutus, onesies and wigs, led around the showgrounds by a pipe band which added a sense of gravitas to the atmosphere.
A candlelit ceremony was held as it got dark, in poignant remembrance to friends and family members lost to cancer.
Then came the grit and determination to trudge through the damp darkness, with the standout team from the Warehouse showing true staying power, one individual walking the full 18 hours, totalling more than 72km.
Westwood said this was an astonishing effort.
‘‘It’s just unheard of at most of these events, she was hobbling at the end but we got her up on stage at the finish. It was just an incredible achievement.’’
Kudos also went to students of Rangiora High School who had supported the event since October last year through fundraising around the community.
There were 80 students present over the weekend, Westwood said.
‘‘We really appreciate their involvement, and they were great fun to have at the event. The school has been absolutely fantastic.’’
More than $57,000 was raised through the North Canterbury event, he said.