Emotional tribute at fundraising event

The Pilbara community banded together at the weekend to remember and support cancer sufferers at Relay for Life.

Fourteen teams registered to walk and run the course for a full 24 hours.

In its second year running in Hedland, $118,613 had been raised by Monday, nearly doubling last year’s total of $65,000.

Two local teams made the top 10 for fundraising in WA. Seventh on the ladder was For a

Cause, raising $18,500, while Howries and the Maoris were ninth with $17,000.

A candlelit ceremony on Saturday night, where paper bags with candles and messages for loved ones were placed around the track, was emotional for many.

Relay for Life committee chairwoman Denise Bevins said it was an “absolutely awesome” weekend. “It was an emotional weekend where our registered participants and members of the public came together to support those with cancer, remember those who are gone and raise money for the future,” she said.

“Everyone had a blast and we are already talking about how we can raise money for next year.

“The money raised was phenomenal… it just goes to show the great place we live in.”