A RELAY for Life stalwart is preparing for her last hurrah in Bendigo after 14 years.
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Next week’s event at Backhaus Oval will be Heather Lester’s last year as captain of team Grease Lightening, as she prepares to move interstate to be with her youngest daughter and grandchildren.
Her efforts have contributed more than $70,000 towards support for cancer patients and research into cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
“Rewarding” is how Mrs Lester describes Relay for Life – a Cancer Council fundraiser.
She initiated the family’s involvement in 2004, after she finished treatment for breast cancer.
Mrs Lester said she knew very little about the event then, other than its association with the Cancer Council.
She is now very familiar with its intricacies, from the initial lap of honour for cancer survivors and carers to more lighthearted aspects.
The batons Mrs Lester creates for her team have been a source of pride and recognition for the past few years.
This year’s design is still under wraps. But last year’s gave a subtle nod to a much-loved and dearly missed member of team Grease Lightning – Mrs Lester’s late husband, Tony.
Lung cancer claimed the 56-year-old in January 2017 after a long period of illness.
Last year’s Relay for Life was team Grease Lightning’s first without Mr Lester.
“It doesn’t get any easier,” Mrs Lester said.
Yet, it was not easy for Mrs Lester to bid Relay for Life in Bendigo goodbye.
“It was very hard to give it up,” she said.
Her mother is expected to succeed her as Grease Lightning’s team captain in 2019.
Though the move interstate will make it difficult for Mrs Lester to remain involved in Relay for Life in Bendigo, she was open to participating elsewhere.
“Even though I have lost my husband I might be able to help someone else,” she said.
“There has to be a cure out there somewhere. There are too many people with cancer for them not to find a cure.”
Relay for Life starts at 6.30pm on April 20 at Backhaus Oval in Golden Square.
About 50 teams are expected to participate.
Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
