Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

With one in two Australians diagnosed with cancer before the age of the 85, we have all experienced the sobering reality of a loved one affected by this disease. For 14 years, the Central Coast Cancer Council's Relay For Life has brought the Central Coast community together to recognise and celebrate cancer survivors, patients and their carers to honour and remember loved ones lost to cancer and to raise money to help save lives. Held at the Mingara Recreation Club, Relay For Life is an inspirational and moving overnight experience that unites local communities to fight cancer. Commencing at 3 pm last Saturday week and running nonstop until 9 am the next morning, the relay raises vital funds the Cancer Council's research, prevention, information and support services.

This year I had the great honour of officially launching the relay, which saw close to 2,000 participants from 130 teams aiming to raise $422,000. Mingara was awash with enthusiasm and a festival atmosphere we relay participants of all ages were joined by family and friends. One team, Team Kea, raised an amazing $16,488 to honour the wishes of Kea Alexander, who unfortunately passed away in May 2009 at the young age of 23.

These people are driven by wanting to help find a cure for cancer. I would like to thank Sara Russell and the team from the Cancer Council Hunter Central Coast region and the wonderful army of volunteers led by Glenys Rowe who were responsible for the success of this year's Relay For Life. I look forward to joining next year for another successful fundraiser for cancer research.