Ned Byrne Oval, Kingscliff will be a sea of colour and activities on Saturday but not because it’s the start of the Rugby League season.
The oval, home of Cudgen Leagues Club, is set to host the second annual Tweed Valley Relay for Life.
Almost three hundred participants and 25 teams will take part in this year’s event which has moved from it’s inaugural location at Recreation Street down to Kingscliff.
The event, which is a fundraiser for the Cancer Council of NSW as well as a chance to remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived, has attracted teams and participants of all ages and from all walks of life.
The teams will start their walk at 3pm on Saturday afternoon and walk (in shifts) right through the night until 9am on Sunday according to former Councillor Dot Holdom who has come on-board to help with the relay this year.
“Relay for Life originated in the USA in 1985, and since then the event has spread worldwide to 23 other countries. The first Australian Relay for Life was held in Victoria in 1999,” she said.
“It is an extremely scary topic cancer, cancer is – indiscriminate, it doesn’t care who you are, your gender, your age, your wealth or poverty, your political position or otherwise.
“There would be few people who have not been impacted in some way by cancer. Yet here we are wanting “remembrance to co-exist with celebration.” That’s because the overall message from the Cancer Council and the Relay for Life organisers wish to have ring loud and clear throughout the community is the message of “HOPE.”
“That people can and do survive cancer. The event is an opportunity for carers, survivors, those newly diagnosed with cancer, family, friends and other members of our community to come together, to acknowledge and remember those who lost the fight, and those people, who loved those lost, and still do.
“While recognising and acknowledging those lost to cancer it is also; a show of unity, that together we can beat cancer – our shining light survivors tell us that “this is possible” and with the additional funding raised we will assist researchers as they continue to unlock the doors to different cancers and the treatment necessary to completely cure them.” Dot said after the formal opening ceremony there would be all sorts of entertainment and activities for all age groups.
“This event is about remembrance and celebration. Children’s laughter, food, health and lifestyle information and live music – always a great combination!”
