The relay started at 10am on Saturday and concluded at 10am Sunday. Teams endeavoured to have walkers on the track throughout the entire 24 hours.

This year’s theme was a Voyage of Hope and before the relay commenced there was a short ceremony emceed by Goulburn Relay for Life Committee member, Julie Carey. Chairperson Rosemary Chapman welcomed all the participants and official guests. She also accepted a $5000 cheque from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust representative Bob Kirk.

The walk was officially launched Goulburn MP Pru Goward who said it was great to see so many people helping to raise funds for the cause. 

“It is not just about the science, it is not just about the research so we can cure it, it’s about paying for research so we know what causes it and what we can do in our own lives to stave it off,” Ms Goward said. “It is about the support the community and friends can give you that is at the heart of Relay for Life.”

 At least three gyms took part, along with members of other sporting groups and businesses. The winner of the Gym Challenge was Curves.

Goulburn and Mulwaree High Schools had large teams and there was a small team from first time participants, Crookwell High School. Goulburn High had perhaps the largest contingent with 10 staff and 75 students, many of whom camped overnight but got little sleep.

Relay for Life Ambassador Lynn Hornbrook said she was grateful for the second chance she had been given at life. Lynn has been a survivor for 30 years and has dedicated much of her time to fundraising for both the NSW Cancer Council relay and Can Assist which helps sufferers and their families with expenses associated with fighting the disease.

“I get a thrill from being able to help others and am so grateful that I have been given this opportunity to contribute to making life better for others,” she said. When Lynn was not busy helping on one of the stalls, she was walking laps and talking to people. She was still there at the end on Sunday.

Another survivor, Gloria Watchirs, said she was also keen to support the relay. Her younger brother Ron, who is also a survivor, would have been at the relay but was called on to work. Cancer runs in their family and they also lost their father Ron, an ambulance officer in Goulburn for many years, to cancer. There were so many stories and most people had a personal reason for walking, whether to honour a family member or support survivors.

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