CQU celebrates Relay for Life's 20-year history at launch

CQUniversity joined with Cancer Council Queensland this week to launch the 2022 Rockhampton Relay For Life which will celebrate 20 years of the fundraising event in the city.

To kick off the Relay For Life season in Rockhampton' CQUniversity's Associate Vice-President Kim Harrington joined with Cancer Council Queensland's local Patron of Relay Rose Swadling and Ken Coker' Relay for Life Chair' to recognise Deputy Mayor Neil Fisher as the 2022 Face of Relay.

The Deputy Mayor recently returned to work following a first cancer diagnosis in September of 2017.

After undergoing surgery to remove a tumour' Neil was diagnosed with bowel cancer. This later spread to his lungs' and was inoperable' meaning Neil required intensive chemotherapy.

Neil is thrilled to be the face of the fundraiser.

Rockhampton is celebrating the 20th year of running Relay For Life events this year' of which CQUniversity has been involved in all but two events.

Ms Harrington said the role of the University in Relay for Life was very important.

"We have been in involved from the very beginning of Relay for Life - in fact 18 out of the 20 years - this really shows the commitment the University has to our community'" she said.

"Every year we encourage our staff and students to join a team and participate and fundraise for the event."

Relay for Life is a movement that brings the community together to celebrate cancer survivorship' remember loved ones lost and raise funds for cancer care and support.

Awarded the Community Initiative Award at the Australian of the Year 2022 awards in Rockhampton' Relay for Life is a beloved local fundraiser.

This year' Rockhampton is aiming to raise over $98'000 in the lead up to the big event on Saturday 23 July at CQUniversity.

Relay For Life is an event where teams keep a baton moving in a relay-style walk or run all day to raise funds for Cancer Council Queensland's vital work in cancer research' prevention and support services.

Mr Fisher said he was overwhelmed to hear he had been chosen as the Face of Relay as he joins a long list of inspirational ambassadors of the event.

"I'm honoured to be able to promote the event in this way although I'm still on my journey."

Relay for Life was an important part of the city's fundraising contribution to the Cancer Council.

"Relay For Life raises vital funds for Cancer Council Queensland's patient support services and research' and I am proud to raise awareness and funds as a Face of Rockhampton Relay For Life in 2022."

Mrs Swadling said its vital to keep educating people about cancer in the community and that's where Relay for Life played a important role.

"I've been involved in Relay from the beginning because I believe the only way we are going to get there is to keep that education going' keep that research going which is vital' for all of us.

"It doesn't matter if we are young or old' cancer is a curse within itself' and its important that we understand the necessity to make sure our community is well and truly informed."

To register a team' volunteer' or find out more about Relay For Life' please visit www.relayforlife.org.au or call 1300 65 65 85.