We're walking for mum'

Student raises $2000 and joins friends in event for cancer cause

I wanted to return the favour to the Cancer Society because they did so much for my mum.Cambridge Thompson

Kuranui College student Cambridge Thompson will be walking Relay for Life this weekend for her mum and has already raised nearly $2000 for the cause.

Her mum, Sheryl Thompson, died of breast cancer a few years ago and the team Sheryl's Pink Teddy Bears will be completing the relay for her.

Cambridge said the Cancer Society helped her family during the difficult time, and she had managed to get more than 20 other students in her team.

"I wanted to return the favour to the Cancer Society because they did so much for my mum," she said. "This year we're doing it in memory of her."

The 17-year-old said she had raised nearly $2000 by herself, by selling raffle tickets and doing the rounds with a donation bucket.

Yesterday Year 11 students Emma Tumoepeau, Nicole Morgan and Bethany Patten were at Carterton New World selling tickets for a firewood raffle.

"It's just for a really good cause," said Emma.

College staff team organiser Jane Russell said the school has been undertaking fundraising initiatives, including the raffle, a bake-off, a garage sale and a silent auction. Twenty-two staff were walking the relay.

"My friends have done it before and it sounded like fun, and it's a good cause," she said.

Relay for Life starts tomorrow afternoon at Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton.

Teams are encouraged to set a fundraising goal and raise between $100 and $200 per member.