SUNDAY: Bendigo Relay for Life participants had 100,000 reasons to smile at the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Teams collectively raised more than $100,000 for the 2019 event at their carnival at Golden Square's Backhaus Oval.
More than 400 people took to the walking track with the committee ecstatic at their dedication as well as the final fundraising result.
The Bendigo Relay has now raised more than $3.5 millon since 1999 making the local event one of the most successful in Victoria.
Domain Village People won the award for the most prolific fundraising team raising over $10,000. Seven other teams raised in more than $5000.
The United Churches of Bendigo team were recognised for their efforts in raising the most funds onsite.
Other teams to pick up awards at the weekend included Cancer's No Game (best dressed), Flower Power (best tent site, best candle bag display), Yolo (best baton), Epsom Primary School (best youth team, spirit of relay) and Brian's Believers (Pam Quinn encouragement award winners).
SATURDAY: Strong winds swept through Backhaus Oval on Saturday but it didn't deter Relay for Life participants.
With plenty of entertainment through the morning, 37 teams kept on stepping to compete their walk by 3pm.
Dorothy Goldhoorn was at her first Relay for Life in Bendigo after spending 15 years taking part in the Bacchus Marsh event.
She first got involved when her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
"I've been a carer, a supporter and survivor," she said. "There's that many deaths in my family, from all different cancers.
"You never think you'll get it, then six months ago I go a breast off.
"My daughter, grandson and granddaughter have all been captains. They take it in turns to walk overnight. I'm usually on the last round between 7pm and 8pm and then come back for breakfast and help finish up."
Ms Goldhoorn said the support that comes from teams at Relay for Life is important.
"There's plenty here at Bendigo. Didn't expect it to be like this," she said.
"It's good to have hope and support. (Other participants) understand its a pretty stressful time. It's important to talk about it."
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.