THE Avon Valley Relay for Life held at Henry Street oval last weekend was a massive success, raising $69,179.88.
The final total is expected to push upwards of $70,000.
This eclipses the $55,000 raised at the previous event in 2012.
Team Patterson was the top fundraising team, raising$14,868.45.
Made up of family and friends spread from Esperance to Karratha, team captain Jo Smith said they raised funds in memory of Rob Patterson, who passed away from a brain tumour in September last year after a 12 month battle.
“We were hoping he would be a survivor here,” Ms Smith said.
“We are wearing red socks because he did and the grey shirts represent brain cancer.
“This is our first relay and it won’t be our last,” she said.
The honour of most laps was bestowed to the Northam Running Club with a count of 522.
Most laps by a female was won by Karen O’Driscoll with 61.
Most laps by a male was tied on 149 with Troy Purslowe and Scott Meiklem sharing the honours.
Participants were kept entertained with Sing Australia, Link, Scottish Highland Dancing, Zumba, Northam Line Dancers, Scarp, The Long Johns and Rumjungle all donating their time free of charge.
Chairwoman Mia Davies said it was a time to remember and fight back, stating everyone in attendance made a difference to that six letter word, cancer.
“We walked all night because cancer doesn’t sleep,” Ms Davies said.
“It’s a huge effort not just for 24 hours, but for the 12 months of frenetic effort from the committee and the fundraising done by teams.
“We punch well above our weight.”
Special thanks went to Megan Worthington who helped get the Relay off the ground.
On behalf of the Shire, president Steven Pollard praised the hard work done by all involved.
Northam Recreation Centre manager Colin Hassell called the weekend and amount raised “magic”.
The Relay for Life oath about a cancer-free world for future generations was read by survivor Sid Sinclair at both opening and closing ceremonies.
‘Prince Harry’, in actuality a face cut-out, paid a surprise visit to the closing ceremony via a Landcruiser.
A final round of applause drew the event to a close.
