(L-R) Pam Johnstone, Raewyn Rooney and Lisa Grigg of the Ceremonies Committee setting up the Garden of Remembrance on Friday.
(L-R) Pam Johnstone, Raewyn Rooney and Lisa Grigg of the Ceremonies Committee setting up the Garden of Remembrance on Friday.
The weather was certainly not the best it could have been, but the rain didn't dampen spirits at the Taranaki Relay for Life on Saturday.
Raewyn Rooney, chairperson of the Taranaki relay for Life committee, says a total of 59 teams entered the event, raising a total of over $100,000for the Taranaki Cancer Society.
"It was an emotional event from start to finish. The opening ceremony certainly brought tears to people's eyes as we acknowledged the survivors and caregivers present."
Raewyn says it was the first time caregivers were acknowledged separately.
"While we have always had a survivors flag, with handprints representing them, this year we introduced a banner for the caregivers. Caregivers put their footprints on this, representing the fact the caregivers walk the journey alongside their loved ones during their cancer journey."
"Looking out to the crowd from the stage, you just saw all these lights twinkling. They then walked through the garden of remembrance with them and along the relay track." The event couldn't be successful without the support of many people, says Raewyn.
"As well as all the volunteers and participants, special thanks are due to the many entertainers who gave of their time freely to make the whole event enjoyable and to keep people entertained throughout."