Relay ends with heavy rain

The Cancer Council has announced it will no longer hold a Relay for Life on the Peninsula.

Cancer Council NSW regional manager Mr Lee Cooper said there had been difficulty in the last few years to continue to grow the event and a decision to end the Peninsula relay was made in consultation with the organising committee.

"It is always sad when something comes to an end but also exciting as we can now look at other opportunities to spread the message, engage the community and help raise much needed funds for cancer research, prevention and support programs," Mr Cooper said.

Since the beginning of the event in 2005, the Peninsula community has raised a total of $348,483 towards the fight against cancer.

Mr Cooper said the Peninsula community had been great supporters of the cause and had raised an impressive amount over the past five years.

However, bad weather forced the final Brisbane Water Relay for Life charity event for cancer to be cut short on March 13.

Brisbane Water Relay For Life chair Mr Lincoln Poole said it was an unfortunate way to end the success of the past few years.

"We were hoping that we could end this event on a high and encourage the community to support new and future activities, but unfortunately after good attendance in the first few hours the heavens opened up and we had to abandon the day for safety reasons," Mr Poole said.

"While this is the end of one chapter, it isn't the end for the Relay For Life committee.

"They are looking for interested people to come on board and help run a number of local awareness and fundraising events over the next 12 months and explore the potential to launch a new Relay For Life event on the Central Coast, perhaps Gosford.

"Mingara Relay For Life will continue as the leading event for the Central Coast community which is aiming for 2000 participants and $210,000 for its 10th year to be run in November.

"Ourimbah Relay For Life will continue as the key youth lead event entering its third year.

"If you would like to help support the Relay For Life committee and explore and develop new and exciting activities, contact the Central Coast regional office on 4336 4500."

Press release, 8 Mar 2010 Lee Cooper, Cancer Council NSW