SCU prepares for Relay For Life
Professor Paul Clark, pictured, suspects that like himself, most men think they are bullet proof.
But Southern Cross University’s Vice-Chancellor realised what a very tenuous grasp on life we all have when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. He has since had treatment and the cancer has not spread to other parts of his body.
“It came as quite a shock really. I have always considered myself fit and healthy. There were no symptoms of any kind to indicate anything was amiss,” he said.
Professor Clark, who urges men to have regular check-ups, will this year have the honour of starting the Lismore Relay for Life cancer fund-raiser on Saturday, November 4, at the Lismore rugby fields in Brunswick Street (behind Trinity Catholic College). The relay opens at 4pm and runs continuously until the closing ceremony on Sunday at 10am.
Relay for Life is a festive team event which raises funds for cancer research and shows support to cancer survivors and their families. Opening the relay is a special honour reserved for survivors of cancer.
Kath Mitchelson, a human resources officer at Southern Cross University and Peter Brown, supply administrator, who are both also survivors of cancer, decided to field a University fund-raising team for the first time this year. Kath has survived bowel cancer and Peter has twice survived melanoma.
About Relay for Life in Lismore:
The weekend event begins on Saturday, November 4, at the Lismore rugby fields in Brunswick Street (behind Trinity Catholic College). The relay opens at 4pm and runs continuously until the closing ceremony on Sunday at 10am.
4pm Saturday: official opening.
4.30 pm: Survivors’ Walk. Cancer survivors and their carers walk the first lap of the relay. Michelle Torrens, a PhD student at Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples, will lead the relay and Joanne Rigby, a Contemporary Music (Voice) student will sing during this lap. Other relay participants can join in after the first lap. The survivors’ walk is followed by a special afternoon tea for survivors and their carers catered for by the local CWA.
Around 7 – 8 pm (on dusk): Hope Ceremony – a time to remember and light a candle for those we have lost to cancer.
10 am Sunday: closing ceremony.
During the event there will be music by local musicians, entertainment for the kids with Prime Possum and other characters and a ball throwing competition organised by the Titans football team, ‘crazy hat’ competitions, trivia competitions etc.
Food will be available from the Rotary Clubs barbecue and MacKellar Range Coffee will also be available throughout the event.
What is Relay For Life?
• It is an event where teams of 10 to 15 people take turns walking or running around a local oval to raise funds for cancer research, education, support services and advocacy.
• Relay is for young and old and you can walk as many or few laps as you like. It’s not a race and you don’t need to run.
• A festival-style atmosphere is created around the event with participants being encouraged to pitch a tent, camp overnight and enjoy the community atmosphere. Participants are entertained with bands, food and fun.
• Each person on the team pays a registration fee which includes a polo shirt and breakfast. Relay is a fundraising event where team members are encouraged to raise $100 each. Fundraising can be fun and easy.
• Annually it raises about $10 million for cancer research.
• More info: www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au or phone the Cancer Council on 66 811 933.
