Dannevirke's Family Affair gears up for Relay for Life

Fundraisers: Some of the members of the 25-strong Family Affair team raising money for the Cancer Society's Relay for Life with one of the 10 truck loads of poplar for sale for $200, delivered free wi

Dannevirke's Family Affair is ready for its ninth Relay for Life, raising money for the Cancer Society.

"Cancer runs rampant in our family, but there's hope from the research funded with the money raised by the relay," Family Affair team member Faye Carroll said.

"My dad died of throat cancer and my mother from breast cancer,'' she said.

"That's part of the reason I decided to enter a team into the Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Palmerston North in 2009.''

Cancer also took the life of Faye's partner and soul mate, Wai Ratima.

"There's a special bond which has grown amongst the Family Affair teammates," she said.

"Relay for Life is a fun way for us all to keep in touch and when you see the many, many brave people who have survived cancer taking part in the candlelight ceremony, it's very emotional. It makes me cry. It's so heartwrenching.''

The Family Affair team will have up to 25 members on the track in Palmerston North in March for the Relay for Life.

"We've all ages taking part, from 70-year-olds, to the youngest in their 20s," Faye said.

"The next generation is coming along now and we've grandparents bringing their grandchildren who can run the laps, saving the oldies' legs.

"The relay is something really spectacular and we love it. We are stayers and as long as there is a Relay for Life, there will always be a Family Affair."

In the past nine years Family Affair has raised more than $45,000 for the Cancer Society's Relay for Life and Faye estimates the team has taken part in 500 laps of the track in Palmerston North. This year's relay will be held on March 10 and 11 at the Hokowhitu Campus, Centennial Drive, Palmerston North.

Relay for Life allows people to celebrate cancer survivors and their carers, remember loved ones lost to cancer and to help in the fight against cancer by raising awareness and funds.

Relay For Life is one of the Cancer Society's key fundraising and community engagement activities. It's for people of all ages and fitness levels and this year there are likely to be between five or six teams taking part from Tararua.

However Shirley Walker, the Tararua field officer for the Cancer Society, said she would not know the exact numbers until closer to the event.

Fundraising efforts for Family Affair so far have included a Christmas hamper raffle and a processed pig raffle.

"People give so generously in Dannevirke. They are wonderful and always support us," Faye said. "Even those who can't afford a $5 raffle ticket, dig deep and donate. It amazes me."

Their latest fundraiser has been helped by Family Affair member Ernie Christison who has donated 10 5cu m truck-loads of wood which will be sold at $200 a load, with free delivery in the Dannevirke area. The wood, dry poplar, is hot and clean burning and can be ordered from Faye on 207 249-1782.