NZ – Relay for Life, Hawkes Bay was held in February at the Hastings Sports Park

This was an inspiring community event that gave everybody a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers; remember loved ones lost to cancer; and fight back by raising awareness and funds to support the work of the Cancer Society.

This was a 12-hour event – starting at 11am and finishing at 11pm. 90 teams entered the relay which brought along 1600 participants & their supporters.

Relay for Life began with a moving Opening Ceremony.  A drum roll, a Haka then the cancer survivors and carers lead the first lap of the event. After that their teams continued these laps for the next 12 hours. Later in the evening, a Candlelight Ceremony was held to remember loved ones affected by cancer.

It was an extremely hot Hawkes Bay Day and the Rapid Relief Team was on hand with water, they gave out over 3 tonne of water throughout the day along with apples, bananas peaches and plums. The Rapid Relief Team also provided food & drinks to the VIP Team – this was the team that raised the most money for the relay, The Beef Busters from Silver Fern Farms, great effort on their part!

The Rapid Relief Team was pleased to be part of this inspiring day and support the Cancer Society in their effort to raise over $100,000.