Relay rally: It's that time of the year to gather family, friends and colleagues to take another step towards a cure for cancer as these people did in October last year. Picture: Carlos Furtado
REGISTRATIONS are building for the 10th Blacktown Relay for Life on October 27 at Blacktown International Sportspark, Rooty Hill.
At least one team member must be on the track during the 24 hour event.
Fund-raising co-ordinator, Col Morris, hopes to smash last year's records of 80 teams and $308,000 raised for the Cancer Council NSW.
They're on target with almost 60 teams registered and more than $165,600 raised so far.
The committee's efforts will see more than $2 million raised this year.
"What we're doing does a great deal of benefit for the fight against cancer," Mr Morris said.
Every cent counts for the committee which holds regular fund-raising stalls at shopping centres.
They recently raised $600 in four hours at Emerton Shopping Village
"That doesn't happen in many other parts of Sydney," Mr Morris said.
"Whether it's $20 or $1, the generous support of the Blacktown and Mount Druitt communities means a lot to us."
Proceeds go towards rehabilitation and research.
"Cancer isn't the death sentence it used to be," Mr Morris said.
"More and more people are recovering.
"It may not happen in my lifetime, but my hope is there will be a cure one day."
Cancer survivors are honoured by walking the first lap while the evening candlelight hope ceremony pays tribute to those who lost the battle.
Early bird registration is $15 a person, rising to $20 from October 14.
The Star and its sister Blacktown and Rouse Hill publications are major sponsors of the Blacktown Relay for Life.
Details Nathan Dart, 9354 2004.