Lancefield (Macedon Ranges) Relay effort ‘awesome’

By
Bill West
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Audrey Trewhella, 2, was the youngest survivor walking in the Survivor and Carer opening lap of the relay. She has a brain tumour. She is pictured with her 'carers' and mums, Lyndsay Trewhella and Donna Nicholls.

The annual Lancefield (Macedon Ranges) Relay for Life held at the weekend raised $58,312, with anyone wishing to make further donations having until March 29 to do so online.
Seventeen teams participated this year, with favourable weather conditions appreciated by participants, organisers and helpers alike.
The progressive total for funds raised to help the work of Cancer Council is now around the $1.6 million mark.
The opening took place at Lancefield Park mid-afternoon Saturday, and walkers of various ages traversed the circuit inside the main arena right up to the closing ceremony shortly before 10am Sunday.
Relay for Life raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, information and support services.
It is also a chance for community members to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers, to remember and honour loved ones lost to cancer, and to raise money to help save more lives.
‘ÇOME ON BOARD’
At the closing ceremony, committee president Ken Wiltshire said participants and supporters had done “an awesome job and Lancefield has done its bit to help you”.
Mayor Janet Pearce read the Oath, and commended all involved with the event.
The organising committee comprises just four members – namely Ken Wiltshire, Kathy Lakey, Sandra Clarke and Melissa Hatty.
Mr Wiltshire said they would like people from Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend to “come on board” and make it more reflective of the wider Macedon Ranges, rather than just Lancefield and Romsey.
The Clarkefield and Friends team, coordinated by former teacher and Romsey resident Chris Shanahan, was the top team fundraiser with a total of $6769.
Clarkefield and Friends was formed when the Clarkefield Primary School was operating (it is now closed and de-staffed) and supporters include some former students from the old school.
Lynne’s and Wendy’s Walkers raised the second highest tally, and the Friendship team came in third.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council, The Lion Hearts, and Angels and Demons also topped the $5000 mark to qualify for research award status as well.
Mr Wiltshire also reflected on the spread of Relay for Life across many countries, with the American movement having grown from humble beginnings to raising $350 to $400 million per year.
Once again the Bendigo Bank (Lancefield and Romsey community banks) was a major sponsor of the relay.
Some teams have already re-committed to entering the 2021 relay at Lancefield.
The Gisborne Singers returned once again to provide key entertainment on Saturday evening.

The Amigos’ team has participated in every Relay for Life at Lancefield Park since the fundraiser for Cancer Council Victoria began 18 years ago. And they were back again at the weekend, doing lap after lap in daylight and dark over Saturday and Sunday. Foundation members of The Amigos included Sugar Parks, Paul Young, Bronwyn Wilson, Georgette and Karen Watkins, and Tasha Leseuer. Enthusiastic current team members are shown on one of their final laps on Sunday morning. Photo: Bill West
The five Research Award winners (any team that raises over $5000 can nominate a research program that their money will go towards and can name it), the top fundraisers and the Spirit of Relay winner. Left to right:
Jenny, Lynne and Wendy’s Walkers, Dianne, Friendship, Harry Nanos (Spirit of Relay), Darlene, Angels and Demons, mayor Janet Pearce, Macedon Ranges Shire Council (Team) and Will, Clarkefield and Friends (highest Fundraisers).
Relay finale: organising committee president Ken Wiltshire leads the way towards the ‘Tunnel of Hope’ on Sunday morning.
The Spirit of Relay award winner for 2020 is Lancefield musician Harry Nanos, one of many entertainers who has been a strong supporter of the community event over the years. Relay organizing committee president Ken Wiltshire presented the shield during the closing ceremony formalities. “There’s just something very special about Lancefield,” Harry said, complimenting the key organisers and the Bendigo Bank and other sponsors, with special reference to the late Annie Phelan, who he said had regard Relay for Life as her favourite charity.