Linda Ingate, Natalie Templeton, Sharon Watterson, Jessica Tindiglia and Chris Brien.
Camera IconLinda Ingate, Natalie Templeton, Sharon Watterson, Jessica Tindiglia and Chris Brien. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Wonder Women up for the challenge

Bill MarwickJoondalup Times

The Relay is an overnight 24-hour fundraising event held at Arena Joondalup, where teams of 10 to 15 take part. The teams camp on the arena overnight in tents, and must have at least one member moving on the track over the 24 hours, signifying cancer never sleeps.

This year's relay is over the October 17-18 weekend. Funds raised will assist the Cancer Council's research and support programs.

In a departure from previous years, team captain Sharon Watterson, a cancer survivor, said the female staff had hit on a new team name this year. "We call ourselves"Wonder Women Fighting Cancer" she said.

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"But our men folk are very supportive. We started taking part in the Relays a few years ago. We began small and built up our fundraising over the years.

"We didn't get much sleep the first year, our tent was too small and uncomfortable but now it's like a mansion.

"We really didn't have a clue what we were doing back then, but we had such a good time and we knew we were raising money to fight cancer, so we kept coming back."

Sharon said the team and its supporters have held a Biggest Morning Tea, a Blingo Night, (Bingo with a Bling), two sausage sizzles and sold toffee apples at the school fete.

"We hope our toffee apples didn't cause too many loose teeth," she said.

"Our broader school community are very supportive. People come up to me in the staff room and hand me $5 and simply say"this is to help towards the relay"."

However, the organising committee is seeking more teams to take part. For more information on how to join or form a Relay for Life team, phone 0417 922 726 or email relayforlifejoondalupwanneroo@gmail.com