Community come together for cancer cause
Last week the Far North Queensland Relay For Life was held bringing together locals from all corners for the charity’s annual major event and raised over $123,976 in funds.
It is estimated that 50,000 Australians will die from cancer in 2022 showing that fundraising events like Relay for Life are needed now more than ever.
This year’s event had the theme of Great Barrier Reef and drew 59 registered teams and over 621 participants, including 263 local high school students, took part to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer, raising vital funds for Cancer Council Queensland’s work in cancer research, prevention programs, and practical support services.
Cancer Council Queensland General Manager, Fundraising and Marketing Communication, Meaghan Bush expressed her gratitude to the Far North Queensland community.
“Around 1,700 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Far North Queensland, and Relay For Life enables us to reach out to them every minute, every hour, every day,” Ms Bush said.
“I would like to thank the Far North Queensland community for showing your incredible support and helping us fight back against cancer.”
“We express a heartfelt thanks to the local Relay For Life committee, participants, local businesses, and all who generously donated.”
The 8.5-hour long event was jampacked with traditional Relay ceremonies, 13 different local performance groups, a hotly contested tug of war, and the famous Relay’s Got Talent – this year won by the Queens of the Reef team.
Participants shared their involvement on social media, connecting with other teams as they took part in challenges and lit up their own candles for the beloved candlelight ceremony.
Teams committed to walking, rolling, and running around a track to signify that cancer never rests and neither would they.
“Fundraising events such as Relay For Life are significant to our work and helps us substantially reduce the burden of cancer on the community,” Ms Bush added.
“The dedication of the Far North Queensland community to participate in Relay For Life signifies that, “cancer never rests, so neither do we”.”