The Eurobodalla Relay for Life was inspiring for all those who participated and quite emotional at times, including at the Hope Ceremony held on Saturday evening (pictured left) where those we have lost to cancer were remembered.
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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.
Aunty Vivienne Mason performed an emotional Welcome to Country at the opening noting that in the past the word cancer was “taboo”. “The old people just said they got ‘sick’ and didn’t talk about it or even get treatment,” she said, finishing with a minute’s silence for those who have passed.
State Member Andrew Constance then said a few words congratulating the Relay for Life committee for the effort they had put into organising the event and also acknowledging all those participating. Mr Constance then divulged that his father in the last two weeks had just been diagnosed with a melanoma.
“There is a lot we still need to do, we need to look at our environment, what we eat and do everything we can to look after ourselves and our loved ones,” he said. “There is not a cure yet, but not a week goes past where we don’t hear about an incredible advancement in the fight against cancer.”
Relay for Life ambassador Jon King then gave the message of hope. “Let’s celebrate the lives of cancer survivors, support those who are fighting cancer and to honour those we have lost, I declare this Relay open,” Mr King said. Together with fellow ambassadors and cancer survivors Tralee Snape and Jess Bourke, he cut the ribbon, officially starting the 24-hour relay.
Also at the opening, Narooma Sporting and Services Club general manager handed over a cheque for $4000 to Cancer Council and then later the next day at 6am, he did his laps – well done Tony!
The Cancer Council’s Kate Brett has promised a celebration event to give people a chance to congratulate each other and share in the success of the first ever Narooma Relay for Life. She passed on a huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated and supported the event. Organisers would also love to hear any additional feedback, so contact Kate at kate.brett@nnswcc.org.au