By Jessica Micallef
A Gisborne mother and son are continuing their cancer-fighting efforts.
Sarah Dale has been participating in the Lancefield and Macedon Ranges Relay for Life for four years. Her son Tyson, 13, has been right by her side, running in the relay for three years.
Ms Dale said their relay efforts followed the death of her father Richard, from asbestos cancer on Christmas Eve in 2014.
“Last year we raised $5000 which meant we got a research grant in our team name,” she said.
“We chose one that was relating to fast growing or quick cancers. My dad, Tyson’s grandpa, died from asbestos cancer which affects the lungs so we obviously know first-hand how quick it actually hits.
“They gave him 13 months and he got five [months]. It’s horrible that my dad basically lost his life for going to work, it’s just not fair.”
Ms Dale and Tyson have already begun raising money for next year’s Lancefield and Macedon Ranges Relay for Life.
Earlier this year, they hosted an outdoor movie night and raised about $2000.
Now the mother and son are organising a ’90s bingo night, to help get closer to their $5000 goal to receive another research grant.
“It’s about doing something and feeling like you’re giving back,” Ms Dale said.
“There’s nothing worse than being sick and having to be a financial burden. There are so many people out there dying from cancer these days. It’s basically about getting out there and trying to raise the funds and helping people out there in the community.”
Ms Dale said her son was a “big inspiration” for other young people wanting to take part in the annual relay.
“I think there were about five 13-year-old kids in the relay that were friends with Tyson, just because they see Tyson doing it,” she said.
The ’90s bingo night is on Saturday, October 26 at Gisborne Mechanics Hall at 7pm. Cost $20 per person.
To book: bit.ly/2kJrTku
