Walking the circle for life

Fitness, fun and festivity at Cancer Society fundraiser

BEACHY KEEN: The Tropical Troopers, with members from Whitby, Plimmerton and Paremata, dressed to impress to complete their third Relay for Life event.

IN REMEMBRANCE: Cancer survivors, donning red sashes, walked hand-in-hand with event patron MP Winnie Laban, second from right, for the first lap of Porirua Relay for Life, remembering lost loved ones

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They ran, they walked, they sang, they danced - and on Sunday morning they were still smiling through the aches and blisters.

Porirua Relay for Life at Te Rauparaha Park brought together the friends and families of those who have lost their lives and those continuing to fight against cancer, as well as a large swell of community support.

This is the first time the 14-hour relay, held March 13 to 14, has been hosted in Porirua, spinning off from the successful Wellington event held annually at Frank Kitts Park.

Event co-ordinator Kelly Atkinson, of Wellington Cancer Society, said the Porirua event was the best relay she had ever been to.

"It was so fun and it felt magical. The credit for the success of the event goes to the committee, they worked so hard and put so much effort in, they were amazing."

About 2000 people participated in the overnight event and when they weren't making their way around the track they were soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Leader of the Tropical Troopers, Jenny Sherwin from Whitby, said she and her team-mates had participated in the last three Wellington Relay for Life events and seized the opportunity to take part in one closer to home.

"We love Relay because we want to give time to those of us who are living with cancer and remember our family members who we've lost also.

"It's also a lot of fun and a great event," Ms Sherwin said.

Ms Atkinson agreed: "The relay was a beautiful reflection of the Porirua community and the whole community came together to show support.

"I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I was even smiling in my sleep," she said.

Entertainment provided by local youth radio station Hollah FM kept crowds singing, dancing and doing the macarena well into the night, while Cook Island drums provided plenty of rhythm to run or walk to.

Ms Atkinson said the Cancer Society was eager to receive feedback from the community on plans for future Porirua relays.

A provisional total of funds will be released this month.

- Kapi-Mana News

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Dianne   #1   11:14 am Mar 18 2010

YOU ROCK PORIRUA. I WAS AT THE RELAY FOR LIFE AND YES IT WAS BY FAR THE BEST ONE I HAVE EVER BEEN TOO. EVERYONE WAS FRIENDLY AND THE WHOLE WEEKEND WAS ABOUT GETTING ALONG. ONCE AGAIN PORIRUA THANK YOU

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