Survivors make waves in fight against cancer

Twenty Wairarapa women have teamed up to give cancer a good paddling.
The newly formed Wairarapa Cancer Society Dragon Boat team made its first on-water run at Masterton's Henley Lake on Saturday morning, as part of training that's helping the women boost their fitness and fight back against cancer.
The majority of the members have been diagnosed with cancer - mostly breast cancer - and have battled through treatment, team convenor and Mayoress Lindy Daniell said.
The other members are supporters who have had loved ones affected by cancer.
The hour-long maiden run came after a few training sessions, where members sat pool-side and were taught how to use their team-emblazoned paddles.
"I'm thrilled with the outcome of the first practice. The team performed extremely well and were focussed on timing," Mrs Daniell said.
"They were all pumped up and afterwards wanted to get back on to the water again."
Getting a team together has long been a goal of Mrs Daniell, who after her own bout with breast cancer joined the Wellington-based Cansurvive dragon boat team five years ago.
"I'm really excited to have a team now up and running, as they're experiencing what I've experienced, which is good health, friendship and lots of fun."
Regular visitors to the lake can expect to see the team training each weekend in preparation for their first event, the Wellington Regatta at the end of February.
Mrs Daniell said the sport came with a host of good mental and physical spin-offs.
"It's been medically proven that exercise and fitness is a good antidote to keep cancer away. We see it as a wonderful way to fight back."
She is keen to hear from more people, men and women alike, who are interested in joining.
Her ultimate "dream" is to assemble two teams - one comprised of breast cancer survivors, and the other of supporters and people who had been diagnosed with other forms of cancer.
"We've already got two people waiting in the wings."
*People wanting to get onboard should phone Mrs Daniell on (06) 378 2174, or Wairarapa Cancer Society manager Anna Cardno on (06) 378 8039.