Relay For Life full circle for team Oliver's Army

Preparing for today's Relay For Life are (from left) Otago-Southland Cancer Society chief executive Mike Kernaghan, Oliver's Army team leader Sue Oliver and Otago-Southland Cancer Society events manager Tammy Jackman, as Otago Boys' High School pupils lay a temporary track inside Forsyth Barr Stadium for the event yesterday. Photo by Craig Baxter.

The first lap of Forsyth Barr Stadium at midday will launch 24 hours of activity, and mark the culmination of a 13-month fundraising initiative by Oliver's Army for the Cancer Society.

Oliver's Army was one of 108 teams, altogether comprising about 1400 people, registered for the biennial event in Dunedin.

Mrs Oliver said it was the fifth time Oliver's Army had been involved, and this year's team comprised about 30 members between the ages of 17 months and ''80-something''.

''We have been fundraising since February last year and we've just clocked $2000, so hopefully we will get to $3000. In our first relay we made $7000, but if we can get $3000 this year I will be happy,'' she said.

The team was predominantly made up of family members from throughout Dunedin.

In its first Relay For Life effort, Oliver's Army had more than 50 members.

''We've had a lot of family members we've lost, as well as people we know, over the years,'' Mrs Oliver said.

She encouraged anyone to participate, regardless of fitness ability or work commitments.

''Will you be working at midnight? We can always roll you along if you can't run or walk,'' she joked.

Otago-Southland Cancer Society chief executive Mike Kernaghan was looking forward to the first relay under the stadium roof.

Previously it had been held at Logan Park, and once had to be called off at midnight because of bad weather.

''It's a long 24 hours, but it's a great 24 hours. I love seeing everyone enjoy the breakfast on Sunday after they've been going all night,'' he said.

Otago-Southland Cancer Society events manager Tammy Jackman said the relay was a chance to celebrate, remember and fight back.

''The opening ceremony is about celebrating cancer survivors; at 9pm the candlelight ceremony is to remember those who have passed; and the closing ceremony at midday on Sunday is about fighting back against cancer.''

Any amount of money raised was ''absolutely fantastic'' and the Dunedin community had proved generous to date, she said.

''There has been some very innovative fundraising going on.''

- rosie.manins@odt.co.nz