Laura Franklin, Editor Hundreds came to walk all night around the track at the Tikipunga Sports Park. Hundreds more came to support them. Never mind that buckets of rain from the tail of Cyclone Wati caused the Relay for Life fundraising marathon to be closed eight hours short of its 24-hour target.The event last March was a big, emotional, festive, (if a little damp) success. The spirit of the relay teams was not to be diluted by a mere tropical storm. After all, many of these people had survived a life-threatening disease, and others had weathered the loss of loved ones. In the end, cyclone notwithstanding, the fundraiser achieved donations for the Northland Cancer Society totalling more than $100,000. Now it's that time again. On February 17, teams from all parts of the Northland community will again front up to raise money for the cause, and to take part in an event that is not so much a memorial to the disease, but a celebration of life. Once again, the place of honour will be given to cancer survivors and their caregivers who will participate in the opening lap Decorated candle lanterns will burn through the night, shining a message of hope to the walkers and their trackside supporters. Last year's candle-lighting was washed out by the drenching rain, but the spectacle simply moved inside a marquee, where the glowing tributes to cancer patients made an inspiring display. Once again, the event has been brought together by a committed group of volunteers who have contributed much time and planning to making the relay a reality. Businesses have given their support and sponsorship, teams have signed up to do the hard yards and a big line-up of singers and musicians have offered their services to lend a joyful atmosphere to the proceedings. This fundraiser is a successful annual event in many countries around the globe - and now that Northland is embarking on its second marathon, it looks likely to become a popular yearly highlight here too. If you want to be involved, you can still register a team with the Northland Cancer Society, you can make a donation or you can plan to get along to Tikipunga on February 17 to enjoy the music, the action and the moving atmosphere. And there's one more way you can help: Pray for fine weather.
