Emma Pritchard
More than 400 people proudly walked alongside each other, making every step count, lap after lap, during an emotional experience over the weekend as they participated in the 2023 Clarence Valley Relay for Life at South Grafton’s Jabour Park on June 3, to help raise vital funds in support of the Cancer Council to enable the charity to continue their ongoing research, and provide invaluable community services in the fight against a common, and devastating disease.
Among them were Grafton residents Yvonne Call, Jenny Hall, and Janice Ellem, who told the Clarence Valley Independent they are regular attendees and supporters of the annual event.
After sadly losing their husbands following battles with cancer in 2011 and 2016, Mrs Hall and Mrs Ellem lovingly honour them each year by walking and dedicating several laps of the field to their memory.
As she recalled caring for her husband while he overcame his battle with prostate cancer, Mrs Call said Relay for Life is a wonderful community event which brings people together in a close and supportive network.
Anne Briggs, Community Fundraising Coordinator for the Northern Rivers, revealed one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, and the latest figures released by the Cancer Council estimate 145000 new cases are reported across the country each year.
As she watched Clarence Valley residents unite in their own personal relay for life, she proudly confirmed the fundraising goal of $40000 for the event had been achieved.
“We had 25 teams register, and they’ve all done a fantastic job with their fundraising efforts,” she said.
“Every dollar raised is incredible, and so is every step taken on the field.
“This a great event where we honour cancer survivors, their carers, and supporters, and talk about cancer and what we can do to help prevent it because a number of cancers are preventable.
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and looking after yourself all help to reduce your risk of getting cancer.
“We’re also celebrating 20 years of Relay for Life in the local community, and during that time over $870000 has been raised which is an amazing achievement, and that number is continuing to increase as people continue to give for a very important cause.”
A hope ceremony and morning tea was also held for survivors and carers during the 2023 Clarence Valley Relay for Life, while awards were presented to the Best Dressed Team: Walkie Talkies, Best Banner: Izak’s Army, Best Team Baton: Southampton and Grafton City RFS, and Best Team Marquee: MHS Schoolies and Friends who participated in the annual event.
At the time of publication, the 2023 Clarence Valley Relay for Life had raised $42751.