Join the Relay for Life - Te Ara Toiora

At 4pm on Saturday 22 March, the biennial Marlborough Relay for Life will begin at Landsdowne Park.

It is not only a vital part of the Cancer Society’s fundraising campaign but also an opportunity to support and acknowledge those who are on a cancer journey or have been through one,  along with their whanau and friends.

Relay for Life is part of a global movement that began in the early 1980s when a colorectal surgeon in the USA was looking for a unique, attention-grabbing idea to raise much needed funds for cancer research and treatment.

Drawing from his love of running marathons, Dr Klatt envisioned a 24-hour fundraising event to raise awareness for cancer. His patients embraced the event and this spark led to the creation of Relay for Life which is now a global movement that has raised billions of dollars for cancer research, advocacy for those who have the disease, education and vital support, touching millions of lives in many countries.

Hilary Gill has been involved with the Marlborough Relay for Life since she began working at the Marlborough Cancer Society in 2008. “It is a fantastic event to be part of because it brings the community together in a special way to support those with cancer, helping them feel cared about and acknowledged by their community,” she says.

The event begins with a Survivor’s Reception followed by a Celebration Lap around the park. It is led by those who have recovered from cancer, have cancer currently and also those who want to remember a loved one lost to the disease. Anyone who has been impacted by cancer including carers and supporters is welcome to join in. “It's very emotional and uplifting to see many wonderful cancer survivors and their supporters walking around the track and knowing that they are supported,” says Hilary.

The relay takes place over the next 16 hours with relay team members taking it in turns to walk. One of the organisers, Jo McCormick says, “Cancer doesn’t sleep so the idea of walking through the night is very symbolic for those going through a cancer experience. It is a chance to demonstrate that others empathise and can share their journey with them.”

A Candlelight Ceremony is held later in the evening in remembrance of those lost to the disease. Teams that are entered are provided with candle bags to decorate while anyone else can purchase them from the Cancer Society in advance or on the day of the event and decorate them in any way they see as appropriate to honour their loved ones. As part of the ceremony, volunteers gather the completed bags up and place these around the track with tealights inside to help light the way for those walking. “After placing the bags, we do a couple of silent laps which is particularly moving,” says Hilary.

So far this year, 31 teams are registered for the Marlborough Relay for Life and there is still room for plenty more. Teams can consist of families, friends, workmates, sports teams, businesses, church groups, anyone who wants to contribute and help raise money to continue to help cancer sufferers. Each team gets sponsorship pledges from wherever they can which all goes toward the total. There is a dashboard on the Relay for Life’s website where the fundraising tallies are updated. https://relayforlife.org.nz/o/2025-marlborough-relay.

When not taking a turn on the track, everyone can enjoy a festive, family-friendly environment with plenty of entertainment to be had on the side. This year there will be a Silent Disco where participants wear headsets and choose the music they want to dance to which no one else will be able to hear. “That will be highly entertaining,” laughs Jo.  “There is food and drink and movies playing to help keep everyone awake along with an MC who will keep everyone’s spirits up.”

Each team has their own campsite which can be themed or decorated and some use this as an opportunity to sell goods to contribute to the fundraising effort.

A Candlelight Ceremony is held later in the evening in remembrance of those who have died. Teams that are entered are provided with candle bags to decorate while anyone else can purchase them from the Cancer Society in advance or on the day of the event. They can be decorated in whatever way feels appropriate to family and friends and, as part of the ceremony, volunteers place these around the track to help light the way for those walking.

The Closing Ceremony is a moving affair which takes place at 8am on Sunday morning, acknowledging the effort of everyone involved and the many volunteers who help make the event possible.  It culminates in the announcement of the amount raised in the fundraising effort.