Relay For Life: A Trio Of Hope

Hundreds of eager supporters will flood this year’s Blacktown Relay For Life. This highly anticipated event that is colourfully and wonderfully celebrated every year will take action at Blacktown International Sportspark from 9.30am Saturday October 19, to 9.30am Sunday October 20.

Dwayne Siniska, Fiona Scully, and Mike Richards
Image: Cancer Council NSW @cancercouncilnsw

Relay For Life is held every year by Cancer Council, and is one of the largest charities that operates across Australia. A trio consisting of Dwayne Siniska, Fiona Scully, and Mike Richards will be running in this year’s event - and with Fiona being a cancer survivor, this is an event that is close to home, and full of hope.

‘I love meeting people who actually understand what you’ve been through. People might think it’s a sad event, but in actual fact it’s anything but,’ Fiona recounts.

The whole event has a celebratory feel with really fun things for children to do, entertainment, food trucks and this year even a car show.’ She laments.

Last year, Mike Richards was the MC for the event, and this year he will be chairing the organising committee. 

‘Relay is about saying we’re all in this together,’ He said.

‘It doesn't matter how little or how much you raise… you’ll be helping someone survive cancer.’

Dwayne Siniska, a 24-year-old university student, won’t be able to attend this year’s event . An exchange program has him on the other side of the world. However, he made sure he packed his Relay For Life shirt. Dwayne started supporting the event nine years ago, but has been on the organising committee for the past five years. 

‘I joined the committee because my grandfather sadly passed away due to cancer. He was the first person I lost to cancer, and I want that to be the last person I lose due to the disease,’ Dwayne laments.

‘I am sad that I will be away for the relay, but I have done everything I can as entertainment coordinator leading up to the event.’

The first lap kicks off at 10.00am, but is reserved for cancer survivors and carers. Expect a packed program full of entertainment and activities with food stalls, a climbing wall, animal farm and all day entertainment. 

Come along with friends and family to celebrate, support and fight for a brilliant cause!