In 2003, Crystal Ellicott and Melissa White's grandfather Ted Bagot opened the first Wanganui/Rangitikei/Waimarino Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Now, six years after Ted's death from prostate cancer in December 2004, his granddaughters are continuing his legacy and walking the Relay for Life as Ted's Team in his memory.
As a life member of the Wanganui Cancer Society, the founder of Wanganui's first men-only prostate support group and a social worker at Barnardo's, Ted worked tirelessly to help others.
Members of Ted's Team will wear T-shirts printed with the monarch butterfly, once used as a symbol for Barnardo's.
The girls said they intended to stay at this weekend's Relay for Life for the full 24 hours, walking as much as they could.
They will be joined by their grandmother Joyce, who will be manning the fundraising tent, and other family members walking in memory of Ted.
"He had a big impact on people's lives. a lot of people come up to us and say 'Oh, you're Ted's granddaughters'," Crystal said.
Both girls say they were very close to their grandfather and have many good memories of him.
Fond memories for Crystal were his love of jazz music. While he was lying sick in Wanganui Hospital he found a job advertisement she would never have considered and encouraged her to apply, she said.
"He came with me for support and sat through the panel interviews with me, and helped me get the job. He used to help me with my school exams too, giving me a place to stay and sitting up at night helping me study."
Melissa's memories include fishing trips, Ted's love of travel and his passion for the theatre.
"He used to do theatre and plays and stuff at Amdram, and we used to go to all his plays. We still go with our grandma."
Joyce Bagot said: "I'm very proud of them and I'm very proud of Ted. He was a mover and a shaker, and I think they might be too."
After he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Ted travelled around the region doing "health days" where people could get their health checked, she said.
"Once he got his teeth into something, you couldn't stop him."
THE EVENT
- The Relay for Life is on March 6-7 at Wanganui City College, starting at 11am and finishing at noon on Sunday.
- Saturday, 11am: Powhiri; 11:30am: Official start; noon: Survivors' Lap; 9pm: Candlelight Ceremony.
- Sunday, noon: Closing ceremony and prizegiving.
- There will be music, food, entertainment and spot prizes for the duration of the relay.
- Members of the public are welcome to attend the event to donate and support the Cancer Society.
- All proceeds go to the local branches of the Cancer Society.
