November 12, 2004 

Relay for Life returns to the Mount

DUST off the old joggers and start stretching because one of the region's biggest events is making its return for 2005.

Mount Gambier will again host the Cancer Council Relay for Life, on March 12 and 13 next year, at the Blue Lake Sports Park.

In 2003, more than 700 people raised more than $160,000 – the highest amount raised in country South Australia.

The money raised per participant from Mount Gambier and Millicent also rated as one of the highest in the nation.

Relay committee chairman David Height said organisers were hoping for significant community support from all over the South East for this Relay for Life.

"There was an enormous response in 2003, not only in the number of teams but the amount of money raised. Next year we have to restrict the number of teams to 70," Mr Height said.

"The Cancer Council run the event in Australia so a large amount of the money raised goes to cancer research, but some also goes to other facilities like Greenhill Lodge in Adelaide.

"We did have fantastic support back in 2003 so it would be great to match that next March, and if we beat the total that would be just extraordinary."

The event requires community members to register teams, gain sponsorship, and then complete continuous laps of a football oval over the space of 20 hours.

Ceremonies will be held during the event, including a ceremony of hope to give participants and the community a chance to remember those who have been lost to cancer and support those with the disease.

There will also be a survivors' walk, honouring those people who have overcome cancer.

Cancer affects one in three Australians and accounts for 26pc of all deaths in South Australia.

Relay for Life teams can obtain nomination forms from Annette Ford, on 8723 5952, or by phoning 1300 65 65 85.