She was one of about 750 participants, boosted by supporters and organisers, who made sacrifices in many ways for the event from noon Saturday to noon yesterday.
Mrs Kershaw, of Oamaru, found out about two weeks ago that because of work commitments she could not join daughter Tamieka (13) and son Bradley (11) in the Columba Scouts group for the 24-hour event.
So, she decided to raise money on her own for the relay by having her head shaved in a 4pm appointment on Saturday in front of hundreds of people at Centennial Park to take part in or support the relay.
During the two weeks, she managed to raise $420.
Despite the cool day, the loss of all her hair did not deter her.
''I'm feeling great,'' she said after it had all been shaved by Bonnie McLellan, of Oamaru Charity Shop, which also handed over a $2000 cheque.
This is the second Relay for Life in Oamaru - the first, in 2011, raised about $97,000 for the Cancer Society in North Otago.
This year, there were 45 teams, slightly fewer than at the first event. Up until the closing ceremony yesterday, $65,000 had been raised, although more money was still to come in.
One of the organisers of this year's event, Kate Allan, predicted the $97,000 raised in the first year would be exceeded in the final tally.
''Some of the teams have done some really amazing fund-raising,'' she said.
It would be some time before a final total was known, with a separate gala event being held at Otematata for those in the Waitaki Valley who could not make it down to Oamaru for the weekend.
That was planned for March 31 during Easter, hoping to attract the traditional holiday-makers who go to the Waitaki lakes for the last big weekend before winter, money earned adding to the North Otago total. Launching the event on Saturday,
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said the relay confirmed ''wealth is nothing, health is everything''.
The relay was a very special event, also giving a lot of people the chance to get to know each other, Mr Familton said.
Cancer survivor and chairman of the first Oamaru organising committee Eric Spittal read the oath before the relay started. Cancer survivors and victims' families did a lap of honour, and then were joined by organisers, the relay teams and their supporters.
Most of the teams made a weekend of it, with some elaborate camps being set up, which were needed because of intermittent rain early yesterday morning.
That did not dampen the spirit of those rostered on to continue the relay during the night and who were still there when it ended yesterday.
