Relay for Life attracts 750

More than 750 local residents took part in the Peninsula Relay for Life at Woy Woy Oval across the weekend of March 14 and 15.

Organising committee chairperson Ms Viv Corcoran said: "We should all be exhausted but the committee and I feel completely exhilarated by what we saw on the weekend."

According to Ms Corcoran, this year's event has raised $41,000 with more funds to be banked over the coming weeks.

She said it was fantastic to see the generosity and support of the Peninsula community with more than 65 teams participating in the 24-hour relay.

"There were so many highlights during the event," Ms Corcoran said.

"Mayor Chris Holstein had his head shaved and Cr Jeff Strickson had one leg waxed.

"We heard a passionate speech by local cancer carer Karen Poole at the Candlelight Ceremony, followed with an incredibly moving lap of silence."

Several Peninsula community groups participated in the relay including Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Empire Bay Public School, the Rotary Club of Woy Woy and Brisbane Water Secondary College.

To date, the Peninsula Relay For Life fundraising campaign has raised more than $295,000 for the fight against cancer.

Cancer Council Central Coast community relations coordinator Ms Lesley Chart said the event was a spectacular turnout for the local community.

"Money raised through the Peninsula Relay For Life will help the Cancer Council improve the lives of local cancer patients and their families through initiatives like the Support and Information Pack which put patients in touch with the closest sources of support."

Peninsula Relay For Life survivors coordinator Ms Vicki White said the organising committee was already looking for volunteers to help out at next year's event.

"We would also like to call for more local volunteers to join us on the committee for Peninsula Relay 2010," Ms White said.

"Planning for next year's event starts almost immediately, we have a few weeks off then back into it again."

For more information contact info.centralcoast@nswcc.org.au

Press release, 25 Mar 2009 Lesley Chart, Peninsula Relay For Life Email, 25 Mar 2009 Vicki White, Peninsula Relay For Life