By Bridie Byrne
WERRIBEE’S Vanessa Magill is raising money for cancer, one lap at a time.
She will be decked out in yellow, black and white with a poignant smiley face splashed across her t-shirt as she runs around a track later this month in the annual Relay for Life event.
The event will be her way to help find a cure for the disease that took the lives of her two aunties.
She lost one to breast cancer and the other to bowel cancer.
Her mother-in-law is in remission after a long battle with breast cancer.
“There is no one that you can talk to these days that has not had someone close affected by cancer,” Vanessa said.
With sheer determination she banded together more than 30 family and friends in a bid to raise thousands of dollars for cancer research.
Her group has now been labelled “Run Forrest Run”.
“Most of us in the team love our TV shows and films,” she said.
“The name has just stuck.
“It’s a fun social thing and we get a kick out of trying to raise money and doing some good for the community.”
The group will descend on Victoria University’s athletic track in Hoppers Lane to compete in the 24-hour relay.
Vanessa said no practice was needed as most members were up to the challenge.
“There will be a rotating shift so we can take it in turns of two or three,” she said.
The team captain said a candle lighting ceremony at dusk saw all teams line the track to remember the lives of loved ones.
The group holds fundraising events leading up to the relay, including movie nights, wine tours and a girls’ night in.
It has collected more than $24,000 over the past five years.
“I just hope that people get enthused and get involved with it,” Vanessa said.
Cancer Council research shows that every five minutes an Australian is diagnosed with cancer.
Money raised at Relay For Life helps the Cancer Council with research, providing support and education.
The Wyndham event will take place on 27 March and anyone wanting to donate or register a team can call 9635 5000.
