Cancer walk on despite tempest

What had manager Simon Aitken and the local Cancer Society done to so upset the weather gods?

It must have been bad because Mother Nature fired pretty much the full arsenal at Cooks Gardens on Saturday night - wind, rain, thunder, lightning.

As we approached the particularly poignant moment in the Relay For Life, the lighting of candles in memory of those who had succumbed to cancer, the deluge came on with a vengeance.

The candles had to be a no-show but, despite the ferocity of the elements, the plucky walkers and runners pressed on.

Umbrellas became useless - whipped inside out by the wind - assorted wet weather gear provided a smidgeon of protection but many people just took it on the chin and carried on regardless, determined to do their bit no matter what.

Those hardy souls were not to be deterred by a thorough soaking - or even the threat of electrocution. They were there to raise money and to show respect and acknowledgment to someone they had lost to the disease.

And there was the strength one gains in the face of adversity - along with the strength that comes from being part of such a good-hearted, united effort.

Relay For Life is a huge event, and the support it gets from the people of Wanganui is very telling of the community spirit that thrives among local folk.

There have been barbecues, head-shavings, garage sales, Mr Whanganui, Property Brokers charity auction, heaps of activities, great and small, to raise money to mitigate the effects of a disease that touches the lives of most people at some time.

Simon and co set a target of $110,000.

Let's hope they made it.