HMAS Cairns personnel raised $3,744 for The Cancer Council in the annual Relay for Life on July 30 at Barlow Park.
Against the backdrop of a tropical winter day, the team was running for a cause and reflecting on its impact on the Navy.
Marine Technician Leading Seaman David Doyle’s goal was to walk 40km in honour of his uncle, Mark Whitehead, who had recently passed from cancer.
“I wanted to walk as far as I could, with 100 laps of the racetrack being my goal,” Leading Seaman Doyle said.
“It was a tough walk and reflecting on my uncle’s difficult battle gave me a reason to push through. I participated in the Relay for Life to honour his memory and raise funds for this wonderful cause.”
The event was significant to the local Navy establishment as The Cancer Council Queensland Relay for Life Naval memorial trophy was donated by the Royal Australian Navy in memory of two sailors, Petty Officer Peter Jewlachow and Able Seaman Andrew Scott, who lost their lives to cancer.
Maritime Personnel Officer Seaman Alexandra Manthey used the event to reflect on how cancer had impacted her friends and family.
“Relay for Life is important to me as I have had both family and friends lose loved ones to cancer and witnessed first-hand how heartbreaking it is every time someone is diagnosed,” Seaman Manthey said.
“My friend lost their mum six weeks from diagnosis and another lost their mum after a 10-year battle. Both were devastating to everyone who loved them. I participated in Relay for Life to bring awareness and help raise much-needed funds.”
The money raised was part of the Far North Queensland Relay for Life fundraising effort that helps to finance The Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services.
Through the power of community, Relay for Life brings together cancer survivors, caregivers, families, and loved ones to raise money and envision a world free from cancer.
