By Cameron Weston
EVERY step Samantha Girvin takes during the inaugural Hobsons Bay Relay for Life in November will be a tribute to her late husband, John.
He died in February from a hereditary form of cancer, leaving behind two young children who may yet be affected by the same disease.
He was just 47 years old.
It is a story familiar to many people whose lives have been affected by this dreaded illness.
However, Ms Girvin isn’t looking for sympathy for her or her family.
She would rather people pull on a pair of runners and count the laps on 11 November, turning their compassion into action by joining her and dozens of others touched by cancer.
“We’d rather they get out there, form a team, and do something practical to help fight cancer.
“The more teams the better,” Ms Girvin said.
“When you look at two little kids, now without a dad, you know how fantastic it would be if we could find a cure.”
Ms Girvin’s seven-year-old son Callum will also take to the athletics track in Newport, running in memory of his father.
“If he can get out and run a few laps, then anyone can,” Ms Girvin said.
“John died from hereditary cancer, so if a cure can be found it would be great for my kids.
“That is part of my motivation, to make sure he didn’t die for nothing.”
Callum’s sister, Scarlett, is just 22 months old, too young to make the distance, but she will be there to lend support.
Other relatives will join Ms Girvin and her family for the 18-hour relay, forming a team of 30, all of whom are busily gathering sponsors to pledge money for their efforts.
Relay organiser Campbell Maffett said Ms Girvin’s motivation was typical of people who entered the event.
“Most people in the community have been touched by cancer at some stage, and that drives their involvement in the relay.
“When they get to the event, they realise that a huge part of the day is a cancer memorial.”
However, Mr Maffett hoped the wider community, including those fortunate enough not to have been affected by the disease, would also embrace the fundraising event.
He said the Relay for Life was the Cancer Council’s single biggest annual fundraiser, and was therefore vital to the future of cancer research.
There are only 10 teams registered for the Hobsons Bay relay, just one third of the 30 he hoped would take to the track in November.
Mr Maffett called on team captains to stand up and rally friends and relatives behind the worthy cause.
For more information, or to register as a team captain, visit the relay website at www.hobsonsrelay.com.au or telephone Campbell Maffett on 0438 335 368.
