Blood, sweat and tears at relay

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service donor mobile will be accepting blood donations during the Brisbane Water Relay for Life on Saturday, March 13.

Community relations officer Ms Katherine Wicks said relay participants and supporters could expect "blood, sweat and tears" when they attend the annual community fundraising event at Woy Woy Oval.

"Around 34 per cent of blood donations in NSW are used directly by cancer patients as part of their ongoing treatment," Ms Wicks said.

"Being a part of Brisbane Water Relay for Life is a great opportunity to promote how people in the community can help cancer patients, simply by donating blood, as well as being part of this local fundraising effort."

This year, the Brisbane Water Relay for Life will run on a shortened program providing one "big" relay day for local families.

The event will commence from 4pm and finish at 9.30pm the same day instead of the previous overnight format and will be an alcohol and glass free event.

"Participants at this year's event can give blood at the donor mobile, then sweat it out walking the track as they raise money for local cancer services such as financial assistance grants for individuals and Cancer Information displays at Woy Woy and Brisbane Water hospitals," community relations coordinator for Cancer Council NSW Ms Lesley Chart said.

"Then we always expect to shed a few tears at the Candle Light Ceremony, one of the most important aspects of the event, as we honour and remember those lost to cancer and those still fighting the disease."

Funds raised as part of the relay event are used to help local cancer patients and their carers with support and information as they undertake their cancer journey.

Registration for the event is $20 which includes a new purple relay shirt and will be open from 12.30pm on the day.

The Australian Red Cross donor mobile will operate from 2pm to 7pm and appointments can be made by phoning 131 495 or by visiting donateblood.com.au

Press release, 4 Mar 2010 Lesley Chart, Cancer Council NSW