Relay helps victims

By Kath Gannaway
AN ESTIMATED 700 people took part in the 2008 Yarra Ranges Relay for Life held at Mt Evelyn on the weekend.
The event, now in its third year, has gone from strength to strength with 33 teams taking to the Morrison Reserve track on Saturday to raise funds for the Cancer Council Victoria.
Retiring chairman Lyndall Parsons said there were some amazing achievements this year including the involvement of Swinburne University’s hospitality and events management students and tutors and young people both on the committee and in teams.
Cancer Council Relay For Life state manager Anthony Keogh said Relay For Life had proved to be a powerful event, which not only raised funds for cancer research, support and education, but also connected the council with communities.
“Every year 66 Victorians will hear the words “you have cancer,” he said.
They were words which for the survivors, carers and everyone waiting to step onto the track resonated at many levels.
“The work you perform and inspiration you provide to communities throughout Victoria is exceptional,” he said.
He said since Relay For Life began in Victoria 10 years ago it had raised $20 million dollars.
“Those funds are vital,” he said.
Ms Parsons congratulated the teams who by Sunday morning had raised a confirmed $53,000.
“We expect that will go even higher to $60 or $65,000,” she said.
Swinburne tutors Karin Vosmansky and Grant Edwards and their students had ensured the event was well organised and that everything ran smoothly, Ms Parsons said.
“They were not only good at their jobs they were friendly, enthusiastic and totally professional,” she said.
Announcing her retirement after three years, she said she the Relay had helped her go through the healing journey of losing her mother to cancer.
“I feel I have done something to honour her, but it has also really touched me to know it has helped others.”
Cancer Council metro coordinator Natalie Livsey paid tribute to Ms Parsons saying under her guidance and through her enormous dedication and hard work, the event had established itself at its Mt Evelyn base.
“We will be back next year and looking for people to join the committee,” she said.
Anyone who would like to flag their interest early can contact Ms Livsey on 9635 5288.