By Violet Li
An 18-hour overnight walk for a good cause is no doubt a brilliant weekend pastime.
Cancer Council Victoria’s Relay For Life lit up the sky at Casey Regional Athletics Track on the night of Saturday 26 October.
Relay For Life is a fundraising event that empowers communities to come together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones, and fight back against cancer.
During the event, teams will complete laps around a track or oval to signify that every day towards a cancer-free future.
The overnight weekend walks in Casey started at 6pm on Saturday 26 October and finished at 12pm on Sunday 27 October.
Committee member Morgan Cunning said the weekend was fantastic with about 400 participants.
For Ms Cunning, this year marked the 9th year of her participation in the event.
“I was still a teenager then. My first time at this event was all kind of crazy and the event was so wild and fun and exciting,” she recalled.
“And I was so keen after the first time to do it again and just get better every year.
“It’s so much fun. You’re doing it all for a great cause, but it’s also just really fun. And you just get an excuse to spend a night with your friends.”
Ms Cunning said the most special part was the first lap.
“It is dedicated to survivors and their carers, that I do with my mum, who had breast cancer when I was in school,” she said.
“Everyone applauds you as you walk around, and Mum has this big proud look on her face, it’s just really moving for us.
“I had my daughter participate with me last year, and I’m currently pregnant with my second child, nothing stops us from being a part of Relay for Life.”
Cancer Council Victoria’s community giving manager Renee Gani said Relay For Life events were a chance for whole communities to unite for a common cause.
“Relay For Life is such a beloved, unique event and allows people to make a difference in the communities,” she said.
“With one in two Victorians diagnosed with cancer, cancer affects all of us. Everyone has a reason to get involved in Relay for Life.
“We’re thrilled to see this special event back again and can’t wait to see the Casey community come together again.”
