HOPE – it’s more than just a word.
On the weekend, more than 4000 people took part in the Casey Relay for Life – over 24 hours from Friday night to Saturday – and each of them had those four letters in mind.
The participants had all been touched by cancer in some way, directly and indirectly, and they all hope for a cure and for peace.
The relay committee is also hopeful this year’s financial return will rival recent event figures after thousands descended on Akoonah Park over the two days.
The Berwick relay’s Marisa Evans said that with 111 teams taking part and 4020 individual participants, this year’s event had raised a tick over $300,000 so far for the Cancer Council.
“We raised $462,000 last year, I would not be surprised if we get near that figure again,“ she said.
“We still count for another four weeks.“
A very moving candelight ceremony on Friday evening allowed attendees to remember those lost and celebrate those still here, while a number of colourful characters walked laps and provided entertainment throughout the weekend.
News photographers STEWART CHAMBERS and ROB CAREW were at the relay to capture all the action.