2013 Macedon Ranges Young Citizen of the Year Award, Indigo Nicholson, together with family members, supported her mother Laverne, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011, in the first lap for Survivors and Carers at the 2013 Lancefield Macedon Ranges Relay for Life last weekend.
The weekend ended emotionally with the traditional release of white balloons into the blue sky.
Lyn & Wendy's Walkers raised the highest amount with more than $8500.
It's official! The Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life has raised more than $1 million for the Cancer Council Victoria.
In near perfect weather, 23 teams relayed overnight and were rewarded by the news on Sunday morning that by raising $58,000 they had pushed the event's 11-year tally to $1.04 million.
"Thanks are due to so many people who have supported the Relay since its inception," says organising committee chairmanager, Ken Wiltshire.
"The inspiration of that first group of volunteers who formed a committee to run a Relay For Life because they wanted to do something meaningful that would make a long-term contribution to the fight against cancer, a disease that had taken friends and family from them, is something that has sustained us all along the way."
Raising on average nearly $100,000 a year, teams from across the Macedon Ranges and beyond have rallied with courage and determination to support cancer research, education, advocacy and support services.
This year's event included the involvement of Sacred Heart College year nine student Indigo Nicholson, who won the 2013 Macedon Ranges Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Indigo read the Relay For Life Oath at the opening ceremony, and a winning video she made last year for the Live 4 Life Program conducted in Macedon Ranges secondary schools was screened throughout Saturday night.
Indigo was accompanied by her extended family including her tremendously spirited mother Laverne, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011, and participated in the first relay lap for Survivors and Carers.
Relay For Life unites hundreds of people touched by cancer, and offers empathy and hope. Among the survivors at Lancefield Park were several people who had overcome one or more forms of cancer and others still having treatment. They were given afternoon tea with music entertainment, pampering and an opportunity to add their handprint to a commemorative banner.
One of the most inspiring efforts was made by Anthony Traynor, who ran more than 100 kilometres in recognition of his wife Melanie's successful battle with breast cancer. Melanie and the couple's son Layne lit symbolic candles as part of the evening ceremony. The family entered a team under the name of their Romsey business, You Can Fitness.
The Lyn & Wendy's Walkers team raised the highest amount with more than $8500. Romsey IGA accepted the Georgette Watkins/Spirit of the Relay Award.
Fun and outright hilarious highlights included Slip, Slop, Slap, Shade and Slide races, tug-of-war in the moonlight and an energetically contested dancing competition.
Romsey and Lancefield Community Banks donated $2000, while the Foley family of Romsey presented the Carol Ladgrove Award and $500 to The Amigos who were judged best dancers.
Eleven teams responded to an incentive prize for registering for the 2014 Relay For Life. Lyn & Wendy's Walkers scored a daily double by being picked from a ballot to win $500 to kick start their next year of fundraising.
Mr Wiltshire says that while survival rates have improved for many cancers and there have been many medical advances, there is still much to do in terms of research and the provision of support services for those with cancer.
"The Cancer Council is at the forefront of that work. By its advocacy campaigns it is arguing for the enhancement of screening programs and other innovations that will improve the fight against cancer. Knowing all this gives the teams and the event organisers the resolve to be a part of the Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life."
Donations for 2013 can still be made to teams or the Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life event itself at www.relayforlife.org.au. For more information visit the website or ring 1300 656 585.
In near perfect weather, 23 teams relayed overnight and were rewarded by the news on Sunday morning that by raising $58,000 they had pushed the event's 11-year tally to $1.04 million.
"Thanks are due to so many people who have supported the Relay since its inception," says organising committee chairmanager, Ken Wiltshire.
"The inspiration of that first group of volunteers who formed a committee to run a Relay For Life because they wanted to do something meaningful that would make a long-term contribution to the fight against cancer, a disease that had taken friends and family from them, is something that has sustained us all along the way."
Raising on average nearly $100,000 a year, teams from across the Macedon Ranges and beyond have rallied with courage and determination to support cancer research, education, advocacy and support services.
This year's event included the involvement of Sacred Heart College year nine student Indigo Nicholson, who won the 2013 Macedon Ranges Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Indigo read the Relay For Life Oath at the opening ceremony, and a winning video she made last year for the Live 4 Life Program conducted in Macedon Ranges secondary schools was screened throughout Saturday night.
Indigo was accompanied by her extended family including her tremendously spirited mother Laverne, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011, and participated in the first relay lap for Survivors and Carers.
Relay For Life unites hundreds of people touched by cancer, and offers empathy and hope. Among the survivors at Lancefield Park were several people who had overcome one or more forms of cancer and others still having treatment. They were given afternoon tea with music entertainment, pampering and an opportunity to add their handprint to a commemorative banner.
One of the most inspiring efforts was made by Anthony Traynor, who ran more than 100 kilometres in recognition of his wife Melanie's successful battle with breast cancer. Melanie and the couple's son Layne lit symbolic candles as part of the evening ceremony. The family entered a team under the name of their Romsey business, You Can Fitness.
The Lyn & Wendy's Walkers team raised the highest amount with more than $8500. Romsey IGA accepted the Georgette Watkins/Spirit of the Relay Award.
Fun and outright hilarious highlights included Slip, Slop, Slap, Shade and Slide races, tug-of-war in the moonlight and an energetically contested dancing competition.
Romsey and Lancefield Community Banks donated $2000, while the Foley family of Romsey presented the Carol Ladgrove Award and $500 to The Amigos who were judged best dancers.
Eleven teams responded to an incentive prize for registering for the 2014 Relay For Life. Lyn & Wendy's Walkers scored a daily double by being picked from a ballot to win $500 to kick start their next year of fundraising.
Mr Wiltshire says that while survival rates have improved for many cancers and there have been many medical advances, there is still much to do in terms of research and the provision of support services for those with cancer.
"The Cancer Council is at the forefront of that work. By its advocacy campaigns it is arguing for the enhancement of screening programs and other innovations that will improve the fight against cancer. Knowing all this gives the teams and the event organisers the resolve to be a part of the Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life."
Donations for 2013 can still be made to teams or the Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay For Life event itself at www.relayforlife.org.au. For more information visit the website or ring 1300 656 585.
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