The 2017 Eurobodalla Relay for Life held at Bill Smyth Oval, Narooma over 24 hours on the weekend has been hailed as a big success, despite all the rain.
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Cancer Council NSW – Far South Coast Region community engagement coordinator Kate Brett said the total number of registered participants was 361, which was only just short of the goal of 400 and considering the weather was an amazing turnout.
“Thanks to everyone who braved the rain and made the day as enjoyable as it was,” Ms Brett said. “Total funds raised so far is at $43,410.36 with a lot more still to be banked. So to all those who participated, thank you!”
2017 Eurobodalla Relay for Life Committee chairwoman Gilly Kearney said it was Narooma’s turn to host the Relay after previous events were held in Batemans Bay and Moruya. She was blown away by the level of support and participation shown by the Narooma community.
“Last weekend in the rain and drizzle, I’m certain I speak for all on the committee when I say, that Narooma residents and its surrounding family and friends have totally overwhelmed us with the generous support, be it in-kind, through gifts and sponsorship and donations,” Mrs Kearney said.
“We all came together in the rain, to fight cancer and it was an epic 24 hours and an epic journey to get there. To all who helped make the event the success that it was and supported us at our many lead up events like our launch, pop up stalls and our retro film night, thank-you too.
“The performers, the food and some kids some doing almost 200 laps - 60 kilometres – all walking to help fight cancer.
“What an incredible weekend of celebration, reflection and a show of support and inspiration, especially from our three wonderful ambassadors, Tralee Snape, Jess Bourke and Jon King. Thank you from all of us on the committee to all of you, our special and generous community. We also wish your hips and feet a speedy recovery!”
It was a also a weekend of triumph for Bermagui local Marcus Shaw, who over three days ran the 103km from home all the way to Batemans Bay raising more than $2500 for the Cancer Council. He stopped in at the relay opening on Saturday morning before running onto Moruya and then the Bay. Read more here
Participant Ron Snape, husband of cancer survivor and ambassador Tralee Snape, said he was most impressed that the youngsters from the local Narooma school team stuck it out for the full 24-hours.
“God knows how many laps they did probably 700 or 800kms they showed guts and determination and they had a good time,” Mr Snape said. “The primary school kids excelled and about 20 of them were there at the end – not a complaint.
“Our community is in good hands and someone said the kids got to know and appreciate what was happening as the night went on. ‘I’m too busy’ just wasn’t an excuse and with more than 300 walkers and runner just about every business in town was represented.
“There were no stars but 300 winners. I now know what it means to lift each other higher and higher, and every team finished.”
Ms Brett urged all participants to please bank their funds as soon as possible, so the Cancer Council can announce the final total.
And she said it was too late to donate at www.relayforlife.org.au that will help the Relay for Life committee reach its $50,000 goal.
“A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated and supported – there was such an overwhelming support from the Narooma and wider Eurobodalla community,” she said.
“It’s events like the Eurobodalla Relay for Life that allow Cancer Council NSW to deliver prevention programs like Sun Sound in all the Eurobodalla pool, Eat it to Beat it in the schools and Improve your Long Game at Narooma Golf Club in addition to the new Cancer Council NSW car that is being dedicated to the Eurobodalla Shire to help transport those going through cancer to their treatments.
“We’ll be organising a celebration event of the epic 24 hours we’ve just had that will give people a chance to congratulate each other and share in the success of the first ever Narooma Relay for Life. So watch this space.”
If anyone has any additional photos or messages they’d like to share, please post them on the Eurobodalla Rely for Life Facebook page or share them with Kate at kate.brett@nnswcc.org.au
Organisers would also love to hear any additional feedback.