Eileen Hampshire, Chair of Bombala’s Relay for Life, is hoping for a large turnout by the local community.

“The heart and soul of this event is honouring those in our community who have fought cancer or cared for someone with cancer,” Ms Hampshire said.

“We would like those people in the community to know that this event is being organised for them by their town.”

Grant Plecas, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Cancer Council’s Southern regional office, would like to extend a special invitation to survivors and carers to attend the opening ceremony at 9.30am tomorrow.  

“At the opening ceremony, survivors wear a blue sash and carers wear a white sash, and they are invited to walk the first lap of the relay so others can honour their fight,” Mr Plecas said. “Their supporters line the track and join in after the first lap.”

Eileen is looking forward to the event’s candlelight ceremony of hope at about 7.30pm or when it’s dusk, when participants write messages of hope and remembrance on candle bags which are then lit and placed around the track.

“I think for me, this will be the most moving part of the relay,” she said. “I will be lighting my candle for all those affected by cancer in our community.”

Relay For Life is an overnight, community fundraising event organised by a local committee of volunteers and supported by The Cancer Council NSW.

Grant Plecas said the Cancer Council and the organising committee have been overwhelmed by Bombala’s response to Relay For Life.

“We were hoping for 200 participants and we are already well on our way,” he said.