Big show of support

PATRICK HAMILTON/Nelson Mail

HANGING OUT: Linda McCutcheon of Tapawera creates a bra fence during the Cancer Society Nelson-Tasman Relay For Life 2010 at Saxton Field.

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With bras collected from recycling centres and op shops, the Bosom BuDDies showed their support for their friends and family affected by cancer.

More than 1000 Nelsonians turned out at Saxton Field for the two-yearly Relay for Life, over the weekend, which raises money for the Nelson Cancer Society.

Linda McCutcheon from Tapawera said the bra fence just seemed like a good idea. "Most of us have people directly or indirectly affected by cancer. We've done [the relay] a few times, it's a good cause."

As the relay started at 4pm on Saturday, walkers braced themselves for the next 17 hours, which saw 93 teams take part. The relay opened with a lap from the cancer survivors and caregivers.

Colin Tippett of Nelson knows what it is like to survive. He has had cancer three times and was given up to two years to live. Ten years on from his last diagnosis Mr Tippett said he felt like one of the lucky ones.

"It's like going into the battlefield and all the bullets are flying at you and you are the only one who makes it out of it. So many people have died."

When the light faded, participants gathered around Nelson Regional Hospice chaplain Tony Barnett for a candlelight ceremony. People were invited to decorate bags with candles placed inside in memory of loved ones. More than 800 flickering bags lined the walking track.

"When you see the candles you remember a life and a significant person. When the candle burns it captivates and attracts everyone," Mr Barnett said. "They [the candles] give warmth and strength but we know they can also be put out with just a breath."

Lynette Harvey of Motueka stood beside the bags she had dedicated to two friends she made while when she was undergoing chemotherapy last year. Now she is a survivor.

"It is a wonderful way to remember those special people and a way to celebrate those who have survived as well. It is great to see everyone here sharing in that experience."

When the sun came up walkers were invited to have breakfast and take part in dawn yoga and aerobics sessions.

Relay logistics organiser Lee Corlett said the event had been "awesome".

"Of the four relays I've done, this has been the best. The people here are so mellow, nothing's a worry for them."

Mr Corlett said he would not know how much was raised for some time but he was confident of reaching $200,000 with $56,000 already in the bank and $10,000 raised at a silent auction.

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