Twelve hours or one, every step you take at Relay for Life Illawarra is a step closer to a cancer-free future. Photo: Illawarra Relay for Life committee.
For 25 years without fail, Stuart Barnes MCd the Illawarra Relay for Life, but this year his dedication to the Cancer Council fundraising event carries a special kind of validation.
For a quarter century, he has helped raise more than $4 million to support those affected by cancer, even when last year, in a cruel twist of irony, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
This year, he MCs again — as a survivor.
“The diagnosis was a blow, but it made last year’s relay all the more meaningful for me. And this year I’m going to be participating cancer-free,” he says. “It did highlight why Relay for Life is so important — everyone is touched by cancer in some way, whether directly or indirectly.”
The Illawarra was an early adopter of Relay for Life, which converts a local venue into a full-blown community event centred on a team challenge.
Locals form relay teams, with one member running, jogging or walking the track at all times, while the other members rest or enjoy the fair-like atmosphere built around the track.
The day kicks off with an Opening Ceremony and finishes with the Ceremony of Hope, when participants honour those who’ve passed on, but also celebrate the great strides being made through research.
With rides, market stalls, food trucks, live entertainment and music, activities, competitions and prizes to be won from beginning to end, there’s never a shortage of fun things to do.
“It’s a fantastic atmosphere — almost like a family fun day, but for a good cause,” Stuart says.
Relay for Life Illawarra turns 25 this year, and has already raised more than $4 million for the Cancer Council. Photo: Illawarra Relay for Life committee.
And while the relay itself started as a sort of 24-hour endurance event at Beaton Park athletics track, these days the 12-hour format shifts the focus to the community.
“Your participation is entirely up to you,” Stuart says.
“Some people stay for the whole 12 hours, some come and walk for just an hour, others still just come to cheer people on, and have fun with the family.
“It all contributes to the ultimate goal.”
Upwards of 400 people attend the Illawarra Relay for Life, meaning about 10,000 people have contributed over the past quarter century.
This year, the goal is to raise $100,000 for research and to support families living with cancer.
“Great things are happening to reduce the impacts of this awful disease, and it’s nice to think we’ve made a contribution to that,” Stuart says. “But there’s still a lot to do, and we hope to keep doing our part to help the world reach a cancer-free future.”
Relay for Life is on Saturday, 19 September, from 9 am, at the Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, North Wollongong. For more information, visit Relay for Life Illawarra.
