Cassie Mewburn attended her first Relay For Life in 2014 with her best friend Helen Hughes, who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
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In 2015 Mrs Mewburn walked again but it was different, Ms Hughes was terminally ill and had only a few months to live.
This year marks Mrs Mewburn’s third year where she will walk as ‘Helen’s Rainbow’ in memory of her close friend who died at 29.
“We will walk to raise money for those still fighting. We will walk to raise awareness that any cancer can affect anyone. We will walk to give hope to those who have cared and lost. We will walk to remember our journey with Helen until the very end,” Mrs Mewburn said.
Mrs Mewburn and Connor Hughes, Ms Hughes son, are this year’s ambassadors for Goulburn Relay For Life.
This year’s relay falls on the 12th month after Ms Hughes was told she was terminal.
“We will be [there] to give hope to others and to give the support that we have been on the receiving end of previously,” she said.
Chair of the Relay For Life committee Melissa Byrne expected this year would be fabulous as the 2015 event.
The day will include live music, market stalls, face painting, a jumping castle and an all day health hub accessible to attendees.
Ms Byrne said the committee aimed to raise $70,000 for cancer research through Relay For Life this year.
“This year’s theme is hope and while we know that cancer never sleeps, we are trying to put a positive spin for cancer diagnosis,” Ms Byrne said.
“It’s not all about running the track. It’s about the amazing community atmosphere, catching up with people and embracing in the spirit of hope.”
Ms Byrne added that the event would never happen without the support of numerous community members and businesses.
“We’re really lucky we have such a strong local business community,” she said.
Relay For Life will be held at Eastgrove sports field on October 22 and 23. Members of the public can register and donate to the Cancer Council on the weekend.
This is the fourteenth year Goulburn, with the help of Cancer Council NSW, has put on Relay For Life.