‘Lollies, and Mr Whippy’ are going to be pivotal in keeping one of the youngest teams, the Fernridge Riders, walking through the night in today’s Relay For Life.
They will be taking part with 44 teams of all ages participating in the overnight relay to raise funds and awareness for those in the community dealing with cancer.
The team is rounded out by year six student Eden Macdonald [10], who has already been involved in a fundraising event for the Cancer Society by shaving her head last year.
Eden said she is excited to take part in another event to fundraise for the Cancer Society.
“After last year I was keen to keep helping, so I brought in pamphlets about Relay For Life to school to get a team together.”
The team – made up of Eden and her three classmates Sarah, Charlie and Lily – have been busy fundraising and have so far raised $1743, which will all go to support the Cancer Society.
Eden’s mother Emma Behrns said she has been amazed by Eden’s commitment to charity.
“She just runs with it and I support her. The whole thing has been her baby.”
Cancer Society’s Centre Manager for Wairarapa Amber Arkell is also blown away by Eden’s enthusiasm.
“Her eagerness to be involved and having younger people be a part of our volunteers is fantastic.”
Arkell said the purpose of the relay is to come together and show support and hope for those going through cancer.
“The overnight aspect means it can get quite lonely come three, four in the morning when lots of people are asleep. Sometimes for a cancer patient, lying in bed alone in the early hours of the morning can be the scariest part.
“We are saying we’re with you, we’re standing by you.”
