Relay for Life raising funds for Whanganui Cancer Society one step at a time

Whanganui's Tracey Thomas will walk for the entire 18-hour Relay for Life this weekend, despite just breaking her elbow in an ice skating accident. Photo / Bevan Conley

An ice skating injury hasn't broken Tracey Thomas' determination to walk the entire 18 hours of the Whanganui Relay for Life.

The Cancer Society's 2021 Relay for Life takes place at Cooks Gardens from 4pm on Saturday, March 13, and around 300 people in 30 teams have already signed up.

Most teams will share the workload, but Thomas is aiming to walk for the entire 18-hour stretch.

Despite a large cast on her arm after breaking her elbow in ice skating, Thomas said she was still ready to walk through the day and night.

"There is a long history of cancer in my family," Thomas said.

"I'm a BRCA1 carrier myself, so there have been surgeries to help prevent me getting anything."

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA. People who inherit harmful variants of these genes are at increased risks of developing several cancers, most notably breast and ovarian cancer. They also tend to develop cancer at younger ages than people who do not have a variant.

"I had my own scans early on, which found shadowing," Thomas said.

"The doctor said that although I didn't have to have the surgeries, it was strongly recommended. I chose to have them.

"It's kind of known as the 'Angelina Jolie surgery', because she's also BRCA1 and had the same procedure.

"Although it's not talked about that much in New Zealand, gene testing is strongly recommended, especially if there are parents, siblings or other family members who have dealt with cancer."

Thomas, who is the leader of a team made up of fellow Te Oranganui staff, said the others would be helping her along the way.

"I've had to rally up some friends to help me set my tent, because obviously I can't do much with this cast on, apart from walk of course.'

The idea behind Relay for Life began in 1985 when Dr Gordon Klatt, a surgeon and American Cancer Society volunteer, spent 24 hours walking and running around a local sports track, covering over 133km and raising $27,000.

Whanganui locals take part in the 2019 Relay for Life. Photo / Bevan Conley

Now it has become world's largest cancer fundraising event, with 29 countries taking part. It was first held in New Zealand in 2001.

Whanganui Cancer Society event co-ordinator Allison Hollard said everything was ready to go for the weekend, right down to the batons.

"All the batons were painted by children at a local kura, and we left it to them to decorate them with their own artwork," Hollard said.

"We just can't wait to kick things off with the opening ceremony on Saturday afternoon."

After the opening ceremony, cancer survivors will be invited to complete a lap of honour around the track, followed by a full team lap.

After that it will be up to each team to keep at least one member on the track for 18 hours straight.

Lane 8 of the Cooks Gardens track is designated for runners and joggers, with the rest available to those who are setting a more leisurely pace.

"We go from 4pm right through to 10am on Sunday," Hollard said.

"Within those 18 hours we're expecting a lot of fun, activities, competitions and giveaways."

Hollard said Sport Whanganui would be on hand on Saturday afternoon "to help keep the kids busy" with activities, and local bands would be on stage from 4pm.

A remembrance ceremony, honouring loved ones who have been lost to cancer, will be held at 9pm.

"Then we keep on walking through the night, and brekkie will be served at 6am. Our closing ceremony will be at 10am.

"One other important thing that's happening is a men's support group, because the boys, especially the older boys, don't like to step forward and talk about prostate cancer and things like that.

"We've got a lovely, approachable team of guys on site, and you can rock on up to the tent and get information about men's health."

Entry for the public is a gold coin donation, with access from Maria Pl extension and Cooks St. The St Hill St entrance will remain closed over the weekend.

The Whanganui Cancer Society hopes to raise $75,000 by the end of the weekend.

Last year's relay was cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more information, go to whanganui.relayforlife.org.nz.