There’s an extra special reason to support Dungog Shire’s Relay for Life next month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The first $5000 raised will be put back into the town to provide free transport for cancer patients through Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers, which already runs a transport service.
The initiative will help to take the pressure off patients who need to travel to doctor’s appointments and cancer treatment.
Relay for Life committee member Margaret Jones said the cash injection would make a big difference to cancer patients.
Cancer patients within the Dungog Shire have had an extra windfall after the Cancer Council announced free accommodation would be provided for cancer patients and their families during treatment, thanks to a partnership with Accor Hotels.
This is a huge breakthrough for cancer patients in the Dungog area who face a lengthy drive to and from daily radiation treatment in Newcastle.
It will also benefit patients receiving treatment in Sydney.
“It will take away the worry of finding it themselves. They’ve had people who are so exhausted running back and forwards that they’ve slept in their cars,” Ms Jones said.
“This means families can stay together,” committee member Lyn Moseley added.
Ms Moseley said cancer patients within the Dungog Shire didn’t qualify for free accommodation at the Mater Hospital’s hostel, which put more pressure on them and their families during treatment.
“They don’t qualify for free accommodation even if they are travelling down there for treatment five days a week,” she said.
“The partnership between the Cancer Council and Accor Hotels gives them the option of staying away from the hospital environment in a hotel room and having some time together with their family in a nicer environment.”
The Relay For Life committee is urging residents to form teams and register for the event, which will be held from 2pm on March 19 until 8am on March 20at Dungog showground.
Organisers have emphasised anyone can join a team without committing to walking in the relay.
“It’s not a fitness test, it’s a fundraiser … As long as they are there they can be part of a team, they don’t have to walk – we have people turn up to watch with their walkers,” Ms Jones said.
The shire has raised more than $332,00 for cancer research, screening, prevention and support services since the relay event began 15 years ago.
It is estimated that more than 61,000 lives across the country have been saved in the past two decades through the Relay for Life initiative.
Teams can register at a street stall outside Dungog IGA, which will take place on February 13 and 26, and March 5 and 12.
The stall will also be selling raffle tickets and Relay For Life merchandise.
It costs $15 per person to register until February 21. The cost will rise to $20 from February 22.
Anyone who wants to participate in the survivors or carers opening lap – and are not part of a team – do not have to pay the registration fee.
For more information visit www.relayforlife.org.au, click on the NSW map and search Dungog.
Or visit the Dungog Shire Relay For Life Facebook Page.
Moving tribute for lost loved ones
A powerpoint display of loved ones who have lost the fight to cancer will be shown at this year’s Dungog Shire Relay for Life.
Contact Carol Pasenow on 4992 3982 or email photos to paswat@iinet.net.au to have your loved one included.
Commemorative plaques can be organised by phoning Margaret Jones on 0408 421 718 by the end of February.