Dana Street Primary School will once again take part in the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life, which is an overnight walk raising funds for cancer research, prevention, information and support services. 

School mum Jodie Downey is playing a key role in the organisation of the school’s team and fundraising efforts after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. 

“The school really supported me and my family when we were going through it,” she said. “Cancer affects everyone and it is something that stays with you for life.

“It has touched a lot of people in this school community so we thought it was really important to demonstrate to the kids that you can volunteer and do something about it.”

An opening ceremony kicks off Ballarat’s relay on Saturday at 3.45pm, with a candlelight ceremony to follow at 9pm before a closing ceremony on Sunday at 10am.

“The whole event is just so moving, it makes people feel they can grieve for the people they have lost to cancer or who are fighting it,” Ms Downey said. “There is also a great community around Relay for Life and a lot of volunteer hours go into it.”

Year 5 student Alexander Bennetts participated in last year’s event, completing 64 laps, and said this year he was prepared to walk all night. 

“It is a great thing to walk around and show you care about people who have cancer,” he said. “You get tired by the end of it but there are so many people you can talk to and you meet lots of new friends.”

Year 6 student Alexander Feldman said many students had already made donations at the school office or online. 

Having raised $2000 last year for the Cancer Council, team Dana Destiny has set a fundraising goal of $5000. 

Ballarat’s Relay for Life takes place on Saturday, February 25, and Sunday, February 26, at Llanberris Athletics Reserve in Golden Point. 

For more information visit fundraising.cancer.org.au and search for Ballarat.