Team Up for Southern Downs Relay for Life 2017 to Make a Difference

Southern Downs residents are being asked to put their foot down, one after the other, when it comes to the fight against cancer.

Registrations are now open for Cancer Council Queensland’s 2017 Southern Downs Relay For Life, set to be held on September 9-10 at Redbacks Sports Oval, Warwick. 

Southern Downs Relay For Life chair-person Jan Byrne said the event was a chance for the community to unite and show their compassion and support for the cause.

“Warwick and the Southern Downs is a very caring and giving community,” Ms Byrne said.

“The community has come together for many Relay For Life events, and I hope that they will do it again in 2017. 

 “This year our aim is to get as many people and teams as possible to join us at Relay to celebrate those who have survived cancer, support those who are going through a cancer journey and remember those that we have lost to this terrible disease.

 “We are encouraging teams to register early, as it helps us with our organisation and so we can put together a fun community event.

 “I hope we can all come together as one community for one day, one night, one fight.”

 A cancer survivor herself, Ms Byrne said the theme for this year, ‘Colours of Cancer’, was chosen as the Relay For Life committee want locals to know about all the cancers that the event helps support.

 “Some cancers have a colour of their own and some cancers are joined with others under the one colour,” she said.

 “Teams can take on one colour or all colours as inspiration for decorating their team campsites and how they dress up for the event.”

 Locals can meet the Southern Downs Relay For Life committee and find out more about the event by heading to Rose City Shoppingworld, at the bottom of the travellator, on Thursday, April 6, from 4pm.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said community support was vital to continue Relay For Life’s fight against cancer.

Relay is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a community carnival for a great cause, supporting survivors and raising awareness of ways to beat the disease,” Ms Clift said.

“It’s an event for all ages and a great way for businesses and community groups to develop team loyalty for a good cause.

“Around 2040 people are diagnosed with cancer in South West Queensland each year – Relay For Life is reaching out to help them.”

 Relay For Life is an 18 hour event involving teams of up to 15 people keeping a baton moving in a relay style walk or run overnight, in support of all Queenslanders, all cancers. 

 Teams also take part in inspirational ceremonies, fundraising activities and team challenges, supporting each other and sharing stories of hope.

 To register a team, volunteer or find out more, visit www.relayforlife.org.au or phone the Fundraising Hotline 1300 65 65 85. Early bird registrations are $20 per person.

 More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via 13 11 20 or cancerqld.org.au.