Parkes is just 50 days out from its biennial Relay for Life event, so now’s the time to register if you’re wanting to join the movement fighting back against cancer.
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Parkes currently has 12 teams registered for this year’s event and Cancer Council’s Orange NSW Community Relations Coordinator Brendon Argyle is urging more to step forward.
The Parkes Relay Committee made the hard decision to postpone the Relay from October to March 23 and 24 at Pioneer Oval because of the initial impact the drought was having on the community and its businesses.
Parkes businesswoman Robyn Loveridge from the BP Truckstop and Service Station on the Forbes Road is one who will be stepping up to the plate for her first Relay.
Initially Robyn had planned to join an existing team, but she soon found herself a team leader and rallying the troops of her own.
Recruiting her BP colleagues, her team of seven is called Friends for Life and they have already raised more than $1600 of their goal of $2000.
They are one of the top teams for 2019 so far.
“It was only about eight months ago I was out walking with friends and we were talking how we had been affected by this horrible disease and thought we should look at doing it,” Robyn said.
“When I got home I went online to join up and ended up joining as a team leader.”
Robyn said it’s her mother who has motivated her most to organise a team and do the Relay this year.
“I lost her to cancer 10 years ago, my son is also on the team showing his support,” she said.
“I also have another team member Anita who only recently lost her mother to cancer.
“The rest of my team have been affected in some way or are just wanting to join in to show their support for such a great cause.
“Family is everything, losing my mother so early has shown me that you can loose anyone at anytime so hold on to your loved ones for as long as you can.”
And it will be her mother in Robyn’s thoughts, driving her, particularly in the long, dark hours of the Relay.
“Thinking about my mother motivates me to do this and also hearing about other people who have lost loved ones as well,” she said.
“I don’t mind talking about my mother, my mum was a beautiful person and she was my best friend. One of my favourite things I remember was her loving nature, all the kids in my neighbourhood called her Mar Loveridge.
“She was always there for all of them if they ever needed anything, she treated them all like her family, not just back then but until the day she died, and I know they all thought of her the same way.
“She was so easy going...I could go on but we would be here forever!”
Robyn has been promoting her team’s Relay for Life funding page on her Facebook. She’s also got collection tins at her workplace.
“I must say the customers and truck drivers have shown some great support, so thanks so much guys,” she said.
Robyn hopes the new venue at Pioneer Oval will bring more teams.
“I really hope everyone gets in and shows their support,” she said.
“People just don’t realise cancer can affect any one of your loved ones at any time, so come on guys come and join in and help support this great cause.”
To register or donate, head to the Parkes Relay for Life page here, or call Brendon on 6392 0810 for more information.
