Passionate in purple – parading with a purpose

Relay for Life is such a great event. We are always honoured to be invited to take part, and this year was no exception.

Relay For Life is an inspiring community experience that gives everyone a chance to celebrate/whakanui cancer survivors and carers; remember/maumaharatia loved ones lost to cancer; and fight back/tū atu by raising awareness and funds to support the work of the Cancer Society.

Everyone and anyone can be involved. Whether you have a connection to someone who has been or is going through cancer or you want to make a difference, join us to create a future with less cancer.

The money raised through Relay For Life helps people in your community through the Cancer Society’s support services, health promotion programmes and cancer research.
Relay for Life website

It was a bit cold and rainy, but that doesn’t matter when you’re performing for such a great cause – and you get to use the Jockeys’ changing rooms at Trentham Racecourse as your Green Room – that was pretty cool.

Sunita led us in a rousing couple of songs under the eaves of the main grandstand, before the event officially got underway.

The first lap is reserved for Survivors (anyone who has or has had a cancer diagnosis), and their Carers, who are recognised for all they do to support their loved ones.

Once they had completed the first lap of the “Champagne course”, we were invited to lead the sponsored runners and walkers around their first lap – one of many hundreds to come over the next 24 hours.