More than $175K raised during relay

Ready to go at the start of the event are Relay for Life ambassador Tamsyn Hayes and daughter Anja, 8. The community event was held at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday. Photos: Brenda Harwood

The Dunedin Relay for Life was a triumph for all involved, smashing its $150,00 fundraising target by lunchtime on Saturday.

The 12-hour community fundraiser for the Cancer Society attracted 99 teams to Forsyth Barr Stadium, including workmates, families and mates, all determined to "celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer".

Dunedin Relay for Life teams had someone walking the track around the Forsyth Barr Stadium field for 12 hours on Saturday, in the giant community fundraiser for the Cancer Society.

The total raised reached $175,002.44 yesterday, with more to come, a spectacularly successful result for the Cancer Society in the region.

Cancer Society Otago-Southland head of funding and marketing Jonet Warhurst said the Cancer Society was "overjoyed" by the success of Dunedin’s Relay For Life.

The event’s opening ceremony included speeches by Ms Warhurst, Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich and Relay "major partner" Mitre 10 Mega chief executive Neil Finn-House. Relay for Life Ambassador Tamsyn Hayes read the oath and led the first "Celebration Lap".

Decorating their candle bags for the evening Candlelight Ceremony are Relay for Life Melrose Place team members (clockwise from front left) Hannah Stones, Kaye Stones, Sara Stones and Ellie Stones.

An up-beat atmosphere at the stadium was enhanced by music from local performers, tasty food trucks and plenty of fun and games.

The event concluded with a "Candlelight Ceremony", followed by a high-energy closing ceremony.

Ms Warhurst said the Cancer Society was "deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from the community, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, sponsors and contributors".

Enjoying morning tea after taking part in the first "Celebration Lap" for people affected by cancer and carers during Saturday’s Dunedin Relay for Life are (from left) Anne McCarthy, Wendy Crawford, Harue Shoji and Julie Lockhard-Semple.

"With the funds raised, we can extend our support to even more individuals and families in our community affected by cancer," she said.

"Thank you, Dunedin, for your valuable support."

brenda.harwood@thestar.co.nz