By Jessica Anstice
Valulife is gearing up to walk laps for the ninth consecutive year at the 2019 Casey Relay for Life.
This time around, Matthew Hoiles has taken the role of team captain as former captain Dianna Pryde was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2018.
“My family and I decided to get into relaying to help raise money for cancer research as cancer has touched the lives of so many of our loved ones and friends,” Ms Pryde said.
Ms Pryde’s youngest sister Valerie passed away at age 47 from breast cancer.
Valerie’s work colleague Amber Erickson and Valerie’s daughter Melissa formed the team in honour of the brave woman.
“Valerie’s death made up value life even more, hence the team name Valulfe,” Ms Pryde added.
“We have since lost many other family and friends which makes us more determined to keep going.”
The team of 30 dedicated family and friends have had pie drives, trivia nights, car rallies, theatre nights, golf days, hair shaves and numerous raffles to raise money for the cause.
The team has raised more than $80,000 over the nine years they have participated in the Casey Relay for Life.
Valulfe’s end goal is to raise as much money as possible to contribute to cancer research.
Donald Duck was Valerie’s favourite Disney character so the team chose ‘duck off to cancer’ as their slogan with a life-size Donald Duck as their mascot.
“The Casey Relay for Life is a magnificent event that brings people together to remember loved ones, support survivors and those currently going through their cancer journey,” she said.
“The candle ceremony is a moving experience and an opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones.”
The Casey Relay for Life will take place at Akoonah Park Berwick on Friday 1 March.
So far, Valulfe are sitting at the top of the Casey Relay for Life leader board for their fundraising efforts, with a total of $11,298.
To donate, visit https://secure.fundraising.cancer.org.au/site/TR/RelayforLife/CCVIC?team_id=62504&pg=team&fr_id=5684
