Gisborne’s 2026 Relay For Life tallies up more than $101k for cancer research

Gisborne's Relay For Life raised $101,000 for cancer research. Photo / Rapid Relief Team

More than $101,000 was raised for cancer research and support at the Gisborne Relay For Life event.

The fundraising relay event was held by Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society at Showgrounds Park on March 14-15.

Forty-seven teams took part, and participants collectively walked 20,000 kilometres.

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) partnered with the Cancer Society for this year’s event.

RRT volunteers provided a free lunch for all participants in the “Celebration Lap” - a tradition that honours those who have had cancer, and their supporters.

The Celebration Lap kicked off the event, welcoming more than 1500 participants.

An individual standout was local man Daryl Gowers, a scrap metal collector who has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Cancer Society.

Gowers completed 151 laps of the course, despite painful blisters.

Campion College took out the top spot for most money raised by a single team, donating more than $5000.

RRT New Zealand general manager Paul Simmons said: “Our volunteers were honoured to serve the Celebration lunch to survivors and their supporters”.

“These are members of our community who inspire us all with their courage and resilience.

“By providing this meal, we help ensure fundraising efforts go directly to the vital services the Cancer Society provides.”

RRT is a volunteer service and charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Church.

The organisation assists emergency services and local communities during crises.