More than $50,000 for Cancer Council

The Peninsula Relay for Life held earlier in the year has raised a total of $51,020.35.

Peninsula 2007 Volunteer Committee Chairman Mr Kevin McCaskie said that around 50 teams took part at Peninsula 2007, with a total of 707 people from the area taking part.

"This contribution will help The Cancer Council NSW in our shared mission to defeat cancer, and to continue supporting cancer patients and their families in our community."

Mr McCaskie said that the Cancer Council assisted people on the Central Coast through The Cancer Council Helpline, Cancer Connect, financial grants and research.

Mr McCaskie said 1000 people on the Central Coast call The Cancer Council Helpline for advice each year.

He said that with Cancer Connect, about 50 local patients a year are matched with a trained volunteer who has had a similar cancer.

"The Cancer Council provides financial assistance to local cancer patients in need, to cover unpaid bills, travel costs, grocery vouchers and so on."

Mr McCaskie said that around "410 local people are taking part in Cancer Council-funded research into bowel, prostate and lung cancer".

"Peninsula 2007 was one of 54 Relays that took place across the state during 2006-7," Mr McCaskie said.

Anyone interested in joining the organising committee should contact the Central Coast office on 4325 5444.

To find out more, visit the Central Coast region's website at www.cancercouncil.com.au/centralcoast.

Press release, 10 Aug 2007 Kevin McCaskie, Relay for Life