Lancefield Park was full of relay racers for the annual Macedon Ranges Cancer Council Relay for Life event, which took place on the first Sunday in March.
The relay consisted of 14 teams, with the final amount of money raised on the night totalling $39,576. Organisers said more funds are expected in the next four weeks, after which the result will be finalised.
Organising committee chair Ken Wiltshire said it truly is wonderful to see the community band together to support a cause that has affected nearly everyone at some point in their life.
“The array of age groups who partake in volunteering, fundraising, relaying or just being present is lovely to be a part of,” he said.
“Relay is such a moving event that creates a big impact… for the Cancer Council’s research and programs.
“It [also] offers support for our community members who are currently fighting cancer, celebrating surviving or remembering loved ones that they have lost.”
The highest fundraisers for this year were Clarkefield and Friends with $6643, followed by Puddles Team with $5777 and J.K’s Joggers with $5027.
Every team who raised more $5000 are entitled to allocate their funds to a particular Cancer Council research program.
These latest fundraising efforts contribute to the $1778,218 cumulative amount raised in the 21 Relay for Life events that have been run in Lancefield.
After many years of support, the winner of the ‘Spirit of Relay’ was Luke Fitzpatrick of Riddells Creek Bin Hire who most generously provides a free skip each year for the event.
