Above: Mad Hatter team members Belinda Morrison and Charlotte, 5, don their colourful hats for the event.THE Casey Cardinia Relay for Life continues to grow from strength to strength and last Friday’s 2008 version was no exception.
Akoonah Park in Berwick has hosted many events over the years but rarely does the site have so much emotion which is evident at each Relay for Life.
Cancer research was the winner with more than $165,000 raised by the 27 teams which took part.
Awareness of the deadly disease came a close second with many of the teams stressing the importance of early detection in fighting the cancer battle.
More than 1000 people took part in the charitable event which involves teams carrying a baton around an oval for 24 consecutive hours.
In its fifth year locally, the 2008 event has been hailed as a great success by both organisers and participants.
Team Breast Friends were taking part their first event. The group was formed out of a common tie with Don Bosco Catholic Primary School in Narre Warren.
Team Jess returned for their second year of fun and remembrance.
Formed in honour of Narre Warren woman Jess Atwell who lost her battle with cancer in 2006 – the group had about 70 members supporting the event.
The Mad Hatters Team had one of the more colourful camp sites along with Pakenham’s Mauve Movers.
Chair manager Nicole Ryan said it was an unbelievable 24 hours.
“What I found was that it was a real community event. We had the mayor there and we had people from all different parts of the community,” Ms Ryan said.
She said the survivors’ and carers’ lap, survivors’ supper and candlelight ceremony were three of the many highlights.
– Callan Date
