I WOULD like to thank The Courier for the excellent coverage of the Australian Masters Rowing over the past week .
It was wonderful and certainly kept the wider community in touch so that they knew when to come and support if they wished. It is wonderful to have the Lake full again so we encourage anyone who wishes to row in 2014, join one of the rowing clubs, come and get fit and have fun.
PATRICIA GABB
Blacks Creek
Thanks for assistance with Relay For Life
On behalf of Cancer Council Victoria, I congratulate and thank those who helped make the Ballarat Relay For Life a successful event.
In March, more than 780 local residents came together to participate in the overnight relay-style event celebrating cancer survivors, remembering loved ones lost, and encouraging the community to fight back against cancer.
Relay For Life is a global event strongly embraced by communities all over Victoria.
The event challenges teams to take turns to keep a baton moving all night in a relay-style walk or run. I am constantly inspired by Relay For Life participants and volunteers, and their dedication to the cause.
Although the statistics are confronting one in two people will be diagnosed by age 85, there is reason to celebrate. Over the past two decades the survival rates for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent.
This is largely thanks to research and prevention measures funded by Victorians through programs such as Relay For Life.
This year, Ballarat participants are expecting to raise over $105,000 which will support Cancer Council Victoria's research and prevention programs, as well as support services for local residents specifically, the Cancer Council Helpline.
Ballarat residents can call the Helpline on 13 11 20 and discuss cancer-related questions with a registered cancer nurse.
Finally, I would like to personally thank each of the volunteer committee members, led by Anita Godfrey, for volunteering their time and energy to ensure the event's success.
We would not be able to make such great inroads without the dedication, commitment and support of our donors and volunteers.
TODD HARPER
chief executive officer
Cancer Council Victoria