Demi Holmes and Gabrielle Bellman, of Cobden, flag their support for the cancer fund-raiser.
Kayla Dwyer performs at the Corangamite Relay For Life in Cobden.
Lilly Hose, 12, and Shanaye Smith, 12, from Timboon at the Corangamite Relay For Life in Cobden.
Evan Jenkins, Liz Jenkins, and Lachlan Sharp from Bendigo at the Corangamite Relay For Life at Cobden.
Corangamite Relay For Life at Cobden.
Corangamite Relay for Life at Cobden Recreation Reserve. Pictured is Demi Holmes, and Gabrielle Bellman from Cobden 130223AS09 Picture: AARON SAWALL
Corangamite Relay for Life at Cobden Recreation Reserve. Pictured is Zaya Howard 1 year old from Cobden 130223AS10 Picture: AARON SAWALL
Corangamite Relay for Life at Cobden Recreation Reserve. Pictured are committee members Matt Clarke, Craig Boys, Judith Murfitt, Kevin Cronin, Trish Wynd, Verna Regan, Lisa Dickinson, Donna Doyle, and Malcolm Arnold. 130223AS12 Picture: AARON SAWALL
Thomas Anderson, 10, from Cobden, at the Corangamite Relay For Life at Cobden.
Corangamite Relay For Life at Cobden.
Corangamite Relay For Life at Cobden.
Corangamite Relay For Life at Cobden.
IT was an emotional finish to the Corangamite Relay for Life as 300 balloons were released into the sky at Cobden’s Recreation Reserve yesterday morning.
On the surface, an entire weekend dedicated to talking about cancer and remembering those it has claimed might sound gloomy and perhaps even depressing.
But for those there for loved ones — either standing alongside them or in their memory — camping out on the reserve together offered a night of strength.
More than half a million dollars has been raised by the Corangamite Relay for Life group in four years, including $104,000 raised just over the weekend.
“We had 36 teams, it was hot but it all went really well,” committee chairwoman Trish Wynd said.
About 1800 people turned out for the event.
Those who woke up early enough got a chance to participate in a short boot camp and racing sprints were included throughout the day.
There was also a lighter side to the event with some men hopping into a dress and opening their purses for donations.
As the relay drew to a close on Saturday evening, candles were lit around the reserve.
“It’s a big deal for people to come out and bare their soul,” Ms Wynd said.
“It’s about awareness. Our community has certainly been hit by cancer.
“It’s affected my family.”
Already 14 teams have signed up for next year’s relay in Timboon.
s.mccomish@fairfaxmedia.com.au