The annual Hervey Bay Relay for Life will be held at Seafront Oval on October 28th & 29th. This global event celebrates cancer survivors and carers, remembers those who have been lost and allows participants to fight back against this disease that is now affecting one in two Queenslanders in their lifetime.
Expect to see Storm Troopers, Oompa Loompas, Harry Potter, Disney Princesses, Matilda and many more familiar characters walking the track as relayers dress to this year’s theme, ‘Stage and Screen’.
Members of the public are invited to come along on Saturday to enjoy the free entertainment, marvel at the theme displays, cheer on participants and support the many fund-raising initiatives which include huge raffles, stalls, food vendors, games, photo booth and massages to name a few.
On stage entertainment begins at 12 noon.
Anyone who has either experienced a cancer diagnosis themselves or cared for someone with cancer is invited to be honoured by taking part in the opening lap at 3pm followed by a free afternoon tea for survivors and carers. Register up until 2:30pm on the day if this is you.
The most moving part of the evening, the Candlelight ceremony, takes place just after sunset on Saturday night at approximately 6pm. All participants and spectators gather, light a candle, respect a moment of silence and view a slide show of tributes to loved ones who have been lost to cancer. If you would like a memorial photo included in the slide show, please email herveybayrelay@gmail.com by October 24th.
After spectators depart at 9pm, Relay for life participants continue overnight, working in teams to keep their batons moving around the track until 9am Sunday morning. Some may catch 40 winks in their tents while others keep themselves awake by enjoying midnight games, acoustic music and even a ‘Miss’ Relay pageant where male team members strut their stuff in evening gowns. All good-humoured fun in the name of encouraging stress reduction and active fun as a part of a cancer-fighting healthy lifestyle.
To register as a participant log in to relayforlife.org.au. Enquiries contact Kay Nixon 0420884825
Story by Charmaine Bailey
Photo Credit: Kim Parnell
