Read more: GALLERY: Relay for Life 2018
Relay for Life made its way to Henry Street Oval over the weekend seeing 13 teams and 183 participants coming together to raise more than $51,000 for the Cancer Council.
Cancer survivor Darcy Dunkerton read out an emotional Relay for Life oath to open the event, leaving crowds in tears as his parents recounted his battle with cancer within the first 12 hours of his life.
Wheatbelt Relay for Life Committee Chair Monica Elliot said the event was a huge success.
“The whole event was a massive success and it’s hard to pick a highlight after the huge 24 hours,” Miss Elliot said.
“We had a lot of amazing entertainment, activities, ceremony’s and teams enjoying themselves but one major highlight from the event was the candle light ceremony.
“This is where we had guest speakers which each lit a candle, one celebrates the life that was, a second to remember the joyful tears, the laughter shared and a third candle for the future ahead of us.
“Our guest speakers Sue Geary and Leasa Osbourne spoke about there journeys and made us remember why we were walking and for all the people we were walking for. It brought a tear to many eyes and touched everyone at Relay for Life.
“It was a beautiful part of the event that should always be remembered.”
Miss Elliot said moving forward she would love to see more people put their hand up to be on the committee.
“We always want future events to be bigger and better, for the amazing community spirit to continue and strengthen and to get more people involved,” she said.
“The amazing committee of 5 people also needs to grow with the event.
“The more hands to help the easier and bigger the event can be moving forward into coming years.”
Miss Elliot also had a long list of thank you’s to those who had donated time, money and prizes to the event.
She said the event would not have been as successful without the many people and organisations behind the scenes giving a helping hand.
“We had a massive raffle that ran from February until the Friday of Relay,” she said.
“The prize was a $500 voucher for Northam Travel and Cruise.
“The winner of the prize was Marika Eva and we hope she enjoys her prize, and thank you to Northam Travel and Cruise for the support.”
Miss Elliot said the 2018 Relay for Life had a number of local sponsors who showed how willing the community is to give back and get involved.
“Thanks again to our fantastic sponsors Northam Netball Association, SkyWorks WA, Confetti and Co, Shire of Northam and Quins Gourmet Butchers,” she said.
“Without you all our event would cease to exist so thank you.
“Thanks again to our supporters Apex Club of Northam, Northam Farmers Markets, Northam Lions Club, Racing and Gaming WA, Betta Electrical, Avon Valley Bakery, Stormin Hair Designs, Damien’s Plumbing, Northam Travel and Cruise, Wheatbelt Facepainting Company, DCM Carpentry, BankWest and the Northam Race Club.”
She said it was not only sponsors who made the event what it was, but also those who provided entertainment to the relay participants over the 24 hour period.
“Gracie B, an amazing talent on the guitar,” Miss Elliot said.
“Zumba Kim and her crew always draw a crowd and they look amazing with relayers joining in on the fun.
“Groan and Tone, thank you to Louise for coming in at 6.30am on Saturday to run a dance for fitness class to wake our tired relayers up and have some fun.
“Refractory Road, you guys sounded amazing and our relayers enjoyed listening to you as our opening act.
“Moose on the Loose, our Wheatbelt Relay marching song was beaut and I am sure it will be a future relay anthem.
“Platinum Zone, for entertaining our Survivors and Carers and coming back on Saturday and showcasing your dancers acro skills.
“Sambinistas sounded amazing with their drums and thank you to the Northam Linedancers for getting up and showing our young crew how it’s done.
“Also a big thank you to Madcow for the dunk tank and sumo suits, and to Foam Pit Party, what a great addition to Relay.
“All the kids and the committee enjoyed the pit and the snowy look it gave our Relay with the wind.”