Cancer Takes Life Too Soon

Press Release

Cancer Society Auckland – Relay For Life

27th March 2014

Cancer Takes Life Too Soon

This weekend thousands of people are walking throughout the night to remember loved ones at Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

“Last year I lost one of my best mates, Paul Davidson to cancer” says Zeke Boggs. “Paul was just 31 and battled cancer for over 2 years. He showed me what the true meaning of strength was in this time and will be forever missed”.

Zeke has entered a team at the Auckland North Relay For Life event and will be walking the track with 1000’s of others across New Zealand. The Auckland North Relay will be held at Millennium Stadium, Mairangi Bay. Relay starts with a celebration Survivor Lap and also remembers loved ones during a beautiful Candle Light Ceremony at 9pm.

“We signed up for Relay For Life 2014 in an effort to raise money to fight cancer and pay tribute to our mate Paul and other friends and family who have been affected by this horrible disease” says Zeke.

Cancer Society, CEO, John Loof says “Relay For Life is a time for the Cancer Society to walk beside the very people in the community we support. Every day we support people going through cancer with the Cancer Society nurses, informative booklets and our 0800 helpline; Relay For Life is a place where we can all come together to acknowledge the cancer journey and raise funds so this vital support can continue”.

Every day 60 people are diagnosed with cancer in New Zealand and as Zeke says, “Cancer does not discriminate, it can affect anyone. Most of us have lost someone we know, which is why it is so important that we keep fighting it”.

John Loof, CEO, Cancer Society Auckland says “ We welcome people to come along and experience Relay For Life on Saturday afternoon – walk beside our teams and remember loved ones. We also have a lot of laughter with live bands, family competitions and games, and we even have bumper balls and a ukulele band this year”. To find out more visit relay.org.nz

More quotes from Paul:

• Zeke’s team is called Davidson Ducks after Paul Davidson, a close friend who lost his battle with cancer.

• This is the first year for the Davidson Ducks and they have raised over $12,000 so far.

• The fighting spirit is personified by Paul’s favorite animal, the noblest of all beasts….the Duck. Which will be our team mascot as we run in Paulies honour.

• To find out more or to donate just visit Davidson Ducks at https://aucklandnorth.everydayhero.com/nz/ducks-of-davidson

• As a surprise (please note Zeke and the Donaldson Ducks do not know) a team of friends will be joining the Donaldson Ducks from Australia. To cheer on their mates and remember Paul.

About Relay For Life:

• Relay starts at 4pm this Saturday and will go through until 10am on Sunday

• “Cancer touches 1 in 3 New Zealanders so unfortunately most of us know someone who has been affected. Whether it is a close friend, whanau or a colleague, Relay is a time to acknowledge those who have been through cancer”.

• Relay For Life is made up of teams of work colleagues, school groups, family and friends who take strides to raise funds in support of those with cancer. The event includes music, camping-out, a candlelit ceremony, food, family fun and the on-going relay.

• Funds raised go towards Cancer Society support such as community nurses, counsellors and the 0800 information help line as well as cancer research.

Relay For Life 2014 Auckland will be held on:

• 29th & 30th March 2014, at Millennium Stadium, North Shore

ENDS

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