Tired legs but happy hearts on relay

JONATHAN CAMERON

WHY WALK WHEN YOU CAN STRUT? Courtney Morresey, left, and Sinman Tsui having fun at Pukekura Raceway during the Relay for Life yesterday afternoon.

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There were some tired legs still putting one foot in front of the other at the Pukekura Raceway as the 2010 Cancer Society Relay for Life reached the finish yesterday.

In his speech at the closing ceremony at noon, Taranaki Cancer Society president John Young said the collection so far had raised $113,666, with many more donations still to come in.

He said every year demands grow on the staff of seven at the centre and their volunteers, so they will always need public support.

The money raised will be used for "anyone in Taranaki affected by cancer" – be it research programmes, transportation, family counselling, advocacy, or healthy living programmes, Mr Young said.

There were 98 tent sites for the schools, community groups, businesses and families taking part in the annual 24 hour circuit, which started on Saturday with the cancer survivors and caregivers walk.

Cancer Society Taranaki centre manager Andy Gowland-Douglas said the caregivers were added to the traditional first lap this year to recognise how they go through the same journey as the survivors.

As part of the "celebrate, remember, fight back" theme – there was a special pledge ceremony added to the other events like the hands of hope flag and the candlelight service.

"People pledged to do something over the next 12 months to fight back against cancer" said Mrs Gowland-Douglas. This could be anything from personal health or helping out a volunteer organisation.

Banners and signs accompanied many of the tired but smiling groups as the final laps were completed by all the team members yesterday.

"We are alive and well," said baton holder Shona Jager as she led her Carefirst team of 15 volunteers and their families, having been on site for the full event.

- © Fairfax NZ News