Hills Relay for Life Challenge
By Bev Jordan
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday May 20th and head on down to Castle Hill Showground for the huge purple-tinged community gathering that is Hills Relay For Life.
The annual 24-hour community event raises funds for cancer research and support programs. The event will be the 22nd organised by a volunteer community committee to raise funds for the Cancer Council.
The first lap of the track is for Cancer survivors and carers which will be followed by a special morning survivors and carers morning tea. The twilight candlelight ceremony of Remembrance starts at 6pm.
There are 60 teams already registered for the 2023 Hills Relay including local businesses, schools, service groups, churches, youth organisations and groups of families and friends. You don’t have to run at the Hills Relay For Life, in fact most participants walk and talk around the 400m track at Castle Hill Showground, but this year will be the added value of pedal power. Trek Cycles is setting up a 24-hour cycle challenge for Hills Relay For Life participants as part of the activities around the track at Castle Hill Showground.
The aim is to register for the cycle challenge and be part of the push to keep a static exercise bike in motion for 24-hours during the Hills Relay For Life. 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.
Eamon O’Neill who will be running the challenge said getting involved with a personal journey as he lost someone close diagnosed with skin cancer. “This is an opportunity to help. I have a passion for cycling.”
Chairperson Lisa Carruthers said the trackside activations would keep people moving and entertained during the day and also included a box car rally and a fancy hat parade with onstage entertainment appealing to all ages.
“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.”
She thanked all the sponsors and supporters but in particular the Purple sponsors: Castle Towers, CHRG (Castle Hill RSL Group) and Event Cinemas Castle Hill.
Everyone interested in having a team as well as registered team captains are urged to attend a Hills Relay For Life Information Session at Castle Hill RSL (Luxe Lounge) on Tuesday 4th April at 7pm.
Individual registration is $30. There is a group family registration available for $70. Under 8s are free to attend. Registration for 8-13 years is $15 with student tickets $20 with a student card.
The Hills Relay For Life website is: https://www.relayforlife.org.au//register/hills-2023.
Follow the Hills Relay For Life Facebook Page for updates and details or email Yvette Haines at [email protected] To register for the cycle challenge email [email protected] 
