On Sunday 3 April 2022, over 400 Canberrans took to the AIS athletics track to Relay For Life. 56 Teams walked for 10 hours and have so far raised $154,000 to support the services, programs and research Cancer Council ACT delivers right here in the ACT.

Fundraising will continue through the online platform until April 30, 2022, so there is still time to donate.

After two years of virtual Relay Your Way events, Cancer Council ACT were delighted to be able to bring back their in-person Relay For Life event in 2022. This smaller, one-day event ran from 10:30am to 7:30pm with a more intimate crowd than usual, but one with a big heart for the cause.

Relay regulars, the Bold Bandannas led by Rosemary Drabsch, took out the highest fundraiser prize with their amazing effort raising $63,346 over the past 12 months to lead up to the day on the track.

Team Captain of the Bold Bandannas Rosemary Drabsch said “We are motivated by the amount of money we can raise, which is then used for research into finding a cure, education programs and support services for those suffering from the disease. We raise funds all year and the fun part is at the end when we participate in the actual walk at the AIS.”

This year’s event saw a return to the traditional ceremonies, in particular the much-loved Candlelight Ceremony which provides an opportunity to reflect and remember those we have lost. Local musician LIV LI lead in a heart wrenching rendition of her song composed for her late grandfather, titled ‘Memorise’.

LIV LI said, “When I first got the news that my grandfather only had a few months left, I just remember laying on the floor, closing my eyes and in the moment willing my mind to recall every detail of him. His face, his voice, I was desperate to hold onto him, to immortalise every part of him so that he could continue living in my memory. Memorise is about that time, about letting go, about saying good bye and appreciating the wonder and beauty of those we love and lose too soon.”

Cancer Council ACT Board President Roger Buckley says, “Canberra has really come together to support Relay For Life, through corporate teams, community groups, family teams and schools also adapting to hosting Relay Your Way events at their school.”

There is still time to continue to support Relay For Life and the effort of the teams by donating at: www.relayforlife.org.au/canberra2022