Taradale High School Relay for Life raises $2000 in Napier

Flaxmere College students Alisi Aiomanu (left) and Meiata Nepia at Taradale High School's Relay for Life. Photo / Duncan Brown

A Hawke's Bay secondary school student's effort to organise a mini-Relay for Life event, after the original was cancelled, has raised roughly $2000.

Taradale High School deputy head boy Sam Williams was the force behind organising the event, on April 6, for the Cancer Society, Hawke's Bay.

"Overall there were about 450 throughout the event, and we raised roughly about $2000," Sam said.

"I am really proud of everyone coming together and getting it up and running. It was a really fun event."

Sam shaved his head at the event to support the cause as well.

"I got $395 for the head shave and the money I raised for the head shave has already gone to the Cancer Society."

The schools at the event included Taradale High School, Napier Boys' High School, Napier Girls' High, St John's College, Hastings Boys' High School, William Colenso College, Hastings Christian School, Woodford House, Flaxmere College, Taradale Intermediate School and Havelock North High School.

From left: Sophie Bates, Maggie Bird and Caitlin Wood at Taradale High School's Relay for Life event. Photo / Duncan Brown

Principal Stephen Hensman said it was a success.

"It's one thing for students to conceive of a good idea, it's another altogether to execute it and execute it with flair.

"I congratulate Sam Williams and Hannah McCarthy-Gully who led a large team of senior students.

"Despite some challenging weather conditions, there was an upbeat feel to the event that was sustained throughout the day."

Taradale head boy and adventure racer Connor Craig ran a marathon at the event, without pause, Hensman said.

"Once he had rested, he went on to run another 14km.

"Another seven Taradale High School students ran the equivalent of a marathon on the day, including two junior students."