The 2017 Lower Clarence Relay for Life was held on Saturday May 13 at the Yamba Public School, and according to event organisers was a great success. The community event saw approximately 200 participants take part in a relay-style walk, to raise funds to support the Cancer Council NSW in its fight to be beat cancer. The event which was set down for earlier this year had to be postponed due to the extreme bad weather, associated with cyclone Debbie. Cancer Council Community Relations Coordinator Northern Rivers, Abby Wallace, said that not all of the teams who registered for the event could make the new date. “The turnout wasn’t as huge as the 2015 event, however the community spirit was wonderful and people had a great time and we are considering it a huge success,” Ms Wallace said. “The provisional amount raised so far is $71,025. This is an absolutely incredible achievement for a small community.” The highest fundraising team by far was the McAuley Catholic College Team, who raised over $18,751 and still counting. Joel Ashby, who was part of the team, raised $17,500 as the highest fundraising individual. The Hope ceremony was a significant part of the evening program, with candle bags lit as a tribute to those still fighting cancer, and those who have lost their battle with the disease. This moving ceremony was followed by a silent lap around the undercover area at the school, as the rain came down. Committee chairperson Lorraine Breust said that she particularly wished to thank the Lower Clarence Relay for Life committee for their tireless efforts over the past two years to pull this Relay together. Without their time, dedication and community events to raise the awareness, the fight against cancer would not be possible.