Support in the darkest times
The Relay for Life’s Candlelight Ceremony left everyone thinking of those in their lives who have been affected by cancer. Photo: William Woodworth.
Over 600 Marlburians spent their weekend supporting locals living with cancer and commemorating those they have lost to the disease at the Relay for Life.
Between the 52 teams, the $125,000 Cancer Society Marlborough fundraising goal was met during the Relay’s first laps, while many Marlburians took their turn walking through Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday morning at Lansdowne Park.
“We walk through the night in the dark, because when you have cancer or are going through treatment, there’s some long hours, but as the sun’s rising, it’s hope of a new day and a brighter future”, said Cancer Society Marlborough acting manager Michelle Hunt.
“Everybody is here for a different reason, but really the same reason - to support those with cancer in the Marlborough community.
“At our last team captain’s meeting on Tuesday night, we went around the room to share their team’s reason why - with most being involved because they’ve lost people who have been affected by cancer”
“The costumes are a real fun part, as you don’t have to dress up, but a lot of people do to add to the craziness - there’s a lot of hours and logistics that go in to taking 600 of your friends camping for a great cause!”
The opening ceremony and survivor’s lap was led by Peter Olliver cutting the ribbon, before being led by Simply the Breast dragon boating team.
After five hours of laps, Relay participants came back together for the Candlelight Ceremony where celebrant Carol Taylor led attendees through a solemn remembrance and silent memorial laps before letting teams continue their laps through the night.
“During our survivor’s lap to start the Relay, I was walking while crying seeing all the families and children clapping”, said Carol.
“Candles are symbolic across many traditions as a sign of hope, life and the eternal flame of love.
“We turn off all the lights, as after diagnosis night times are the longest, hardest and loneliest”.
“It was an amazing privilege to be asked to open the relay, and the ribbon cutting was spectacularly successful”, commented popular former teacher Peter.
“Cancer is a bastard of a thing and I’m on my way out, but the Relay for Life has meant I’ve had amazing feedback and got back in touch with kids I taught from the 70s and 80s – so I’m really blessed to be here”.