Put in legwork

By Rebecca Fraser
EMOTIONS will run high and legs will certainly ache next month but the cause will be well worth it when dedicated walkers take part in the third annual Casey Cardinia Relay For Life.
Among those taking to the track will be Narre Warren resident and passionate walker Gwen McKinnon.
The 60-year-old and more than 30 other fellow ‘Early Birds’ walkers will be just one of many teams taking part in the overnight event that will help raise funds for cancer research, education and patient-support programs.
Ms McKinnon walks at least 10 kilometres a week, excercising twice a week with Westfield Walkers at Fountain Gate and once a week in Endeavour Hills.
She said the Early Birds was made up of both Westfield Walkers and other members and most walkers had been affected by cancer.
“My father died of cancer 20 years ago and my half-brother has bone cancer. I have also lost several relatives to cancer and I would say that everyone in the team has either lost someone with cancer or knows someone with cancer,” she said.
Ms McKinnon said the group had already raised $2500 for the cause but were hoping to beat last year’s total of $2700.
She said the event, to be held from 6pm on Friday, 3 March, to 6pm on Saturday, 4 March, at Berwick’s Akoonah Park, would be very emotional but rewarding.
“Then there is a candle ceremony when it gets dark where people lay candle tribute bags along the track with messages for people lost to cancer.”
“All the walking stops and we all remember those who have died from cancer,” she said.
Ms McKinnon said she really enjoyed the social side of walking and many of the team members were looking forward to the challenge and raising more funds.
Although Relay for Life is not a race, many record their laps to compete for the prize of most laps completed for teams or individuals.
Progress lap scores are announced or posted at the event.
Relay teams are encouraged to develop their own theme, baton, banner and to decorate their campsite.
In keeping with their Early Birds theme, Ms McKinnon said they would be decorating their campsite with birds and would have two tents for people to rest and would need to organise some shade if the weather was hot.
CCRFL chair manager Deborah Ditchburn said a wide range of activities would be at the two-day relay event.
“We will have belly dancers who will also give lessons, karaoke, and a limbo during the relay. We are also asking schools to create displays.”
Further information about entering team or individual entries are available from Deborah on 0412 850 257 or the RFL hotline on 1300 656 585.
Relay for Life will be located at Akoonah Park, Princes Highway, Berwick, from 6pm, Friday, 3 March.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Early Birds Relay For Life Team can call Gwen McKinnon on 0400 194 521.