Hills Relay for Life, Bringing Hope
By Bev Jordan
Hills Police will be out in force at this year’s Hills Relay For Life, taking steps to raise money for cancer research and support programs at Castle Hill Showground.
They are one of 60 teams currently registered for the annual Cancer Council fundraiser which starts at 9.30am on Saturday, May 21st.
The first lap is for cancer survivors and carers. Hills Relay for Life teams so far include service groups, schools, friends and families who have joined to support people undergoing their cancer journey or in memory of people lost.
Superintendent Darrin Batchelor, Commander of The Hills PAC said he is pleased there will be a large police team at the Hills Relay For Life.
“My family has been impacted by cancer and I have seen the importance of research and trials for the treatment of cancers. Events such as the Hills Relay For Life are so important for raising these funds.”
His youngest daughter Isla was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia when she was four years old and placed on a trial for minimal residual disease testing.
“It can detect 1 leukemia cell in 1 million cells and enables leukemia treatment to be tailored to each child,” he said.
The test is now part of standard treatment. Isla, now 12, was given the all-clear towards the end of last year. 
Hills Relay For Life Patron Michelle Byrne, a former cancer researcher said: “It’s thanks to Hills Relay for Life and the generosity of the Hills community that millions of dollars in cancer research has been funded.
“Without this funding $20m in critical research wouldn’t occur each year.“
Chair of the Hills Relay For Life organising committee Lisa Carrutthers said everyone was looking forward to getting back to a “normal” set up with tents around the track, all day entertainment, food, stalls and a message of HOPE.
The packed program of entertainment includes a headshave at 12.15pm by two female community volunteers, RFS volunteer Sarah Didsbury (pictured) who has been growing her hair for over a year and Norwest Rotary Sunrise member Cherelyn Suzuki.Glenwood High held its headshave at the school last week involving seven students and two staff members.
As it’s also election day there will be an AEC election booth in Harvey Lowe Pavilion, next to the Relay track so that people can vote during the day.
To create a team, join a team or donate visit www.cancercouncil.org.au/hillsrelay or visit the Hills Relay For Life Facebook Page.
*There will be a Teams’ Information Night on Tuesday, May 10th starting at 7pm at the Hills District Tennis Association, upstairs in the Club House, 3 Caterson Drive, Castle Hill.
