By Paul Dunlop
THE battle against cancer has won a $206,000 boost, thanks to the efforts of bighearted residents who stepped out in the CaseyCardinia Relay for Life.
The recordbreaking event, held over two days, saw 890 people take to the track around the Akoonah Park oval at Berwick.
The relay officially opened at 5.45 pm on Friday with Casey mayor Colin Butler and Cancer Council Victoria director David Hill cutting the ribbon.
A group of local cancer survivors and carers were applauded and supported as they completed the first lap of the relay.
Over the next 24 hours, there was a constant stream of walkers and runners passing around the circuit.
Teams camped out overnight with relay participants rewarded with massages, food and entertainment — all donated by local businesses.
The star fundraising team, the highest in the eightyear history of Relay for Life in Victoria, was Team Jess, captained by Heather Atwell in memory of her niece Jess from Narre Warren. The team raised a total of $76,119.30.
Event cochair managers Deborah Ditchburn and Natalie Livsey were delighted with the results.
The Don Stephens Team, captained by Helen Davison and George Single from Pakenham, raised $20,069.35.
Emerald team The Curators, captained by Melanie Hall, raised $15,663.
The highest individual fundraiser was Ray Atwell from Team Jess who raised $10,000. Rhonda Luxford from Pakenham’s Mauve Movers raised $3970.77.
The Mauve Movers were awarded the bestdressed team while The Wild Ones, the Berwick Lioness, won bestdressed tent site.
Best baton award went to Harkaway Primary School.
Ms Livsey said organisers had hoped to raise $100,000 this year and were absolutely thrilled.
“The volunteer committee has worked hard for 10 months planning the event and we were all rewarded. The teams have done an outstanding job in the community creating awareness and raising funds for a cancer free future.”
Mrs Ditchburn said this year had seen the support of the community grow to amazing heights.
“Relay for Life is spreading in the Casey and Cardinia regions and it is fantastic to witness.”
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