By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
PINK and purple took over Toomuc Reserve for the 2016 Cardinia Relay for Life over the weekend.
From 6pm on Friday night until noon on Saturday, over 800 registered walkers circled the oval to raise funds and support for the Cancer Council.
Among the teams was the Cancer Busting Fairies, who this year had a group of around 35 people. Kerry Holland, their captain for the past several years, was recently diagnosed with leukaemia and the team carried around a “mini Kerry” doll attached to a backpack with them throughout the night.
Member Daniel McCasker said the fairies sold lollybags and held a raffle to boost funds, and that this year’s relay had been a particularly important one.
“Kerry’s fighting a battle at the moment, so she couldn’t be here, but she’s with us in spirit,” he said.
“She wears pink hair every year, so the doll is wearing pink for her this year.”
At the closing ceremony, held at 11.30am on Saturday morning, Cardinia Relay for Life committee chairperson John Henzen announced that an amazing $97,262 had been raised, with more still to be counted.
He told the Pakenham News that the incredible atmosphere and generosity of all who donated made this year’s relay the “best one ever.”
“We were hoping for about 800 people, but the official number is looking closer to 1000, and that’s without the people that came to watch,” he said.
“I think it was a fantastic night. Feedback has been positive from all the participants.”
