Relay for Life's smooth contender

WARWICK SMITH/Manawatu Standard

A HEAD FOR THE JOB: Palmerston North's Heather Berge, 43, shaved her head for the cause, then walked for the whole 24-hour event.

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Unlike the children's books, Manawatu's version of Where's Wally was easily spotted among the thousands of runners, walkers and supporters who took part in the Relay for Life.

From noon Saturday to noon yesterday, 2203 people from 114 teams, trekked around the track at Massey University's Hokowhitu campus to raise $271,000 for the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

Donning a red and white striped top, and wearing round glasses, was A Bunch of Wallys team captain David Leishman, 47, who walked for 24 hours with just a short break each hour.

Despite blistered feet and sore knees, Mr Leishman, who lost both of his parents and several close friends to cancer, was determined to see the relay out.

"I'm not stopping. It's just something I've got to do."

The Bunch of Wallys team have done the relay for eight years but it was the first, and probably last, time Mr Leishman had walked for 24 hours.

"It's OK when I've been walking but as soon as you stop, you start to think `Oh God', and go all stiff, but as soon as you start again it's fine."

Joining him in the 24-hour stakes was Bunch of Wallys team-mate Claire Foston, who has done the relay four times.

"I'm pretty poked," she said. "I'm in a lot of pain with my legs but a positive outlook will get me through."

Palmerston North woman Heather Berge, 43, showed her commitment to the cause by shaving her head and walking for the entire 24 hours.

The one-woman fundraising machine collected $2000 on her own, while her team, The Wanna Bs, chipped in with a further $2000.

"It's worth it," Mrs Berge said. "One lady ran up and gave me $20 and a big hug and said `thanks heaps'. It's 2010 and more and more people we know have been affected by cancer and have passed away. It's for them."

The thing she was most looking forward to after the relay – a hot bath.

Cancer survivor Lani Hullah clanged on a cowbell and cheered loudly in support of her Dannevirke Warehouse team-mates.

Mrs Hullah, 47, was diagnosed with breast cancer, which required a mastectomy, last year.

"This has all been very new for us. Our team's been right behind it and my daughter is here with me, it's just amazing.

"I've been really lucky ... words can't describe it."

Cancer Society fundraising and special events manager Faye James was impressed with the final figure.

"The community support has just been absolutely amazing ...it's overwhelming."

- © Fairfax NZ News