By BRIDGET SCOTT
WALKERS and talkers raised more than $100,000 for a worthy cause last weekend when about 800 people turned out for the Cranbourne-Narre Warren Relay for Life.
Organisers of the event were impressed by this year’s effort with a remarkable $121,880 raised to help fight cancer.
The event was held at Casey Fields for the first time this year and organising chairwoman Nicole Ryan was thrilled with its success.
“Being a new venue there is always teething problems, but on a whole the atmosphere was amazing,” she said.
The Black family cut the ribbon to start the relay and honoured past committee member Jenny Black who lost her battle with cancer this year, and was sorely missed from the event.
Ms Ryan said Casey Fields hosted many teams which were new to the event with about 800 participants in total.
She said it was a multicultural event with the haka performed before the start and Murrundindi, head man of the Wurundjeri clan of Melbourne, opened the event for the land.
Ms Ryan said for her the event is about “friendraising” rather than fundraising, however an impressive total added a cherry to the top of an already great event.
“I think by making everyone part of your family it really makes a difference,” she said.
“It’s very community orientated.
“I know all the teams intimately and why they’re there, and I think that makes a difference.”
Perfect conditions allowed for a successful event which kicked off on Saturday afternoon and closed on Sunday morning.
The candlelight ceremony was a popular feature yet again which honoured those who have lost their battle with cancer.
A number of teams were recognised for their efforts, including Team Tara Lee which was awarded the Spirit of Relay, and Bats Flying Towards a Cure was announced as the highest fundraising team with an impressive $21,000.
Ms Ryan agreed that the community orientated event continues to grow each year with a huge number of people touched by cancer.
“The turn-out was fabulous, it gets me every time,” she said.
“Everyone has such a wonderful time and it’s so family orientated.
“It’s open to the youngest of babies to the oldest of grandparents.”
