Mum’s walk a family tribute

By EMMA SUN
A MOUNT Evelyn resident is encouraging others to participate in the Relay for Life and raise money for cancer in November.
Jo Lakeland, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, got involved three years ago through a colleague and has been taking part in the event ever since.
The mother-of-three has been personally touched by cancer, losing a father-in-law, her father and a brother-in-law to the debilitating illness.
She said the relay was a great way for people to get together, raise awareness and support each other.
“I think one of the things that really impacted me when I did it was when people who survived cancer started the walk – that was like, wow, we can beat this, look at all the people doing this that had a cancer story,” she said.
“It’s not always a death sentence and the more we know about it the more we can work to find a cure.
“It’s very emotional having like-minded people all there on the same page, raising funds and doing their best.”
The Relay for Life is an overnight event where individuals and groups relay together.
The Yarra Ranges team held a launch last Saturday to ‘Paint the Town Purple’ and to start fundraising for the event, which will be held at the Healesville Sporting Complex from Saturday 10 November to Sunday 11 November.
Ms Lakeland encouraged everyone to get involved.
“I’ll be inviting people to get on board to walk some of the time with me or sponsor me to do it,” she said.
“You can have fun even though you’re raising money for a good cause, which all makes for a good Relay for Life.”
For more information, to donate or register, visit relayforlife.org.au or call the Victoria Cancer Council on 9635 5000.