Hills Relay for Life

You may be surprised to know that the Hills Relay for Life is not a race but a community gathering which does more than raise funds for cancer research and support programs.

This year’s event starts at 9am on Saturday May 20th at Castle Hill Showground and promises something for everyone with all-day on-stage entertainment, stalls, food, coffee and trackside activations. 

The first lap of the track is for Cancer survivors and carers which will be followed by a special survivors and carers morning tea. 

The twilight candlelight ceremony of Remembrance starts at 6pm. There is a silent disco from 11pm to take people through the night and on Sunday May 21st there will be the return of dog hour. 

So far, there are 70 teams registered for the 2023 Hills Relay including local businesses, schools, service groups, churches, youth organisations and groups of families and friends. 

There are hundreds of reasons why people Relay. Mother of two Lisa Carruthers, joined Hills Relay For Life as a team member 8 years ago, motivated by her mum’s journey with breast and liver cancer. 

Lisa said: “She was and still is my inspiration, every day.” Lisa now chairs the community organising committee. 

“There is such a carnival atmosphere at Relay,” said Lisa. “As you walk around you see neighbours and friends catching up and there is so much to see and enjoy. You really can see four generations in action to make a difference in the cancer journey.” 

This year’s event will have the added value of pedal power with a 24-hour static cycle challenge for Hills Relay For Life participants. The highest fundraising team in the challenge will win an Electra Townie Go eBike valued at $2,400 donated by Trek Cycles at Rouse HIll. 

Lisa said the trackside activations will keep people moving and entertained during the day and also include a box car rally and a fancy hat parade. 

Since Hills Relay was founded in 2001 the Hills participants have raised over $5m for Cancer Council NSW. 

Lisa thanked all the event sponsors but in particular the Purple sponsors: Castle Towers, Event Cinemas and CHRG (Castle Hill RSL Group). 

To register visit The Hills Relay For Life website at https://www.relayforlife.org.au// register/hills-2023 and follow the Hills Relay For Life Facebook Page for updates and details. 

Hills Relay for Life volunteers will be wrapping Mother’s Day gifts for a gold coin donation at Castle Towers from Monday May 8th to Saturday May 13th during centre shopping hours. All funds raised will go to the Cancer Council.