DANIELLE Vecchie and Jess Annetts know all too well the pain of losing a loved one to cancer.
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The friends both lost their fathers – Domenic Vecchie to pancreatic cancer and Chris Hetherington to brain cancer – within a short space of time after initial diagnosis.
Two years ago the pair, along with a group of other family and friends, entered a team in Leeton’s Relay for Life.
In 2016 the team’s name was “Fight for our Dads” and, in 2018, they’ve changed it to be “Team Remembrance”.
“Two years later we’re here again, but this time without our dads,” Miss Vecchie said.
“We lost them six months apart (in 2017).
“It’s a big reason why we are taking part.”
The pair said taking part would most likely be an emotional experience, but it was one they felt they needed to undertake again.
In preparing for the relay Team Remembrance has been fundraising, holding a large barbecue, as well as gathering donations from businesses.
Their fundraising will continue on the weekend of the relay, alongside the other teams taking part.
On the day they will be selling beads for every lap completed by a participant.
The pair were hopeful vital money would again be raised not just to help residents with cancer, but to also assist in finding a cure.
“You definitely don’t realise how hard and how expensive it is when you have a family member diagnosed with cancer,” Mrs Annetts said.
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“Relay for Life is definitely a good cause.”
Miss Vecchie agreed and said without the Cancer Council, a difficult time already would be made much harder without their support and help.
The friends encouraged as many people as possible to take part in the upcoming relay.
One of the most poignant parts of the event is what is known as the “hope ceremony”.
To honour those lost too soon, a slideshow of images during the candlelight ceremony will be held as part of this year’s relay.
Relay for Life will be held on October 6 and 7 at the town ovals.
Team registrations are still being taken and will be up until the event starts.
Individuals wanting to take part but don’t have a team can do so now or on the day as well. For more information and to register online visit https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/event/relay-for-life-leeton-2018/.
A team information night will also be held on September 24 at 7pm at the Leeton Soldiers Club.
Registration forms can also be picked up from Grace Capaldi at the Golden Chicken in Pine Avenue.
Donate online to Team Remembrance here.
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