1300 people to take part in Cancer Society’s Relay

Media release: 21 February 2008

1300 people to take part in Cancer Society’s Relay for Life

More than 1300 people will take part as teams in next weekend’s (1 and 2 March) 24 -our Relay for Life which has been organised by the local Cancer Society.

It is the first time the Relay for Life has been held in Christchurch and organiser Jane Sherriff is thrilled with the response from Canterbury people who have entered teams.

“We are overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and support, particularly since this is the first time the event has been held in Christchurch. We have 86 teams which is about 1300 people, without all the friends and family who will be there too,”says Jane, from the Canterbury/West Coast Division of the Cancer Society.

Relay for Life is being held at QE2’s No. 2 Grounds from 12 noon on Saturday 1 March until 12 noon on Sunday 2 March.

Highlights include a lap for cancer survivors at 12pm on the Saturday, followed by a candlelight service at 9pm on the same day to remember those who are not with us. Many of those participating are cancer survivors or people who have supported a family member or friend when they have experienced a cancer diagnosis.

“Relay for Life represents the hope that those who have lost their lives to cancer will not be forgotten and that those who face cancer will be supported,” says Jane Sherriff.

“All funds raised will be used by the Cancer Society to support those people living in our community with a cancer diagnosis, to fund cancer research and for our health promotion programmes.”

Each team carries a baton around the track and there are no rules about whether team members walk or run, how often or for how long, says Jane Sherriff.

The first Relay for Life was held in America in 1985 and has developed into the world’s biggest fundraising event. The relay is held in 4500 locations in 21 countries. The first event in New Zealand was in Palmerston North in 1991.

For more information phone the Cancer Society on 03 379 5835 or visit www.relayforlife.org.nz.

ENDS

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