A cancer survivor and Shellharbour Relay for Life ambassador is encouraging the community to open up their eyes, hearts and wallets and support the annual event.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 2018 Shellharbour Relay will take place at Tom (Scout) Willoughby Oval, Shellharbour on April 14-15.
Relay for Life is a 24-hour event raising funds for Cancer Council NSW.
The theme for the 2018 Relay, which was officially launched on Monday, will be ‘superheroes’.
One of the Relay ambassadors is Tony Purdon, 63.
In 2015, the Mount Warrigal resident was in hospital in Sydney “having some major surgery done, when I was informed that they’d found something that didn’t belong there”.
“I was told I had stage three kidney cancer,” he said.
“Later that year, I was readmitted back into hospital at St Vincent’s and they removed a kidney and some other bits and pieces that were attached in the hope that would arrest that particular cancer.
“If I hadn’t been in hospital at that time, and another 12 months had passed I certainly wouldn’t be speaking to you today.
“Currently, I would definitely call myself a survivor. I’m getting to two-and-a-half years and I’m still here.
“My current scans show clear... At the moment the scans say no cancer.”
Mr Purdon urged the community to support the Relay.
“You’re trying to open up their eyes, their hearts, their wallets,” he said.
“(It’s encouraging people) to think about those in their own family that may have been through the cancer journey themselves, or a friend. And think of the support that they can give to others just by participating or donating.”
Grant Plecas, community engagement manager for Cancer Council NSW Southern Region said Relay participants could attend for one hour or 24 hours.
The weekend will feature live entertainment, children’s activities, health educational stalls and food stalls.
Since its inception in 2012, the Shellharbour Relay has raised funds for Illawarra cancer support services and prevention programs.
More details: www.relayforlife.org.au.
You can get 50 per cent off the cost of registration for the Relay by emailing Grant.Plecas@nswcc.org.au and asking for the flashcode.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
