The big gang putting the fun into Relay

Relay For Life is a unique overnight event that brings South Australian communities together to celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost, and empower teams of families, friends and colleagues to step out and raise money to fight back against cancer.

Organised by passionate, local volunteers, each Relay event is an experience that stays with teams and participants forever. With memorable moments celebrating Survivors and their Carers, Relay For Life honours loved ones lost through a moving candlelight ceremony, all while raising funds to support South Australians impacted by cancer.

The Gawler community is one of the dedicated South Australian communities who come together on the track year after year to take part in Relay, recruiting fun-filled teams like The Big Gang Relay.

Troy Mason and his family have been part of the Gawler Relay For Life family since 2019 and in a few short years, they’ve put a smile on many faces! As others have been inspired, it all started when cancer impacted his family in a way that Troy never imagined would happen.

Starting in 2019, the team made up of local Troy Mason and his family have been stepping out with the Gawler Relay for Life for two very special reasons: Troy’s mum and mother-in-law who were both diagnosed with breast cancer within months of each other.

Thankfully, Tony says, treatment for both his mum and mother-in-law was successful, but explains that the family’s experience with cancer led them to do something to give back… it led them to Relay.

“My wife and I said we need to help the people who helped us and our family. And one night, we saw an ad for Relay For Life and we knew this was our chance.

“In our first year, we put the word out and managed to get 22 people in our team. And another year we managed to win the award for the best tent set-up, which was awesome! We based it on the Big Bang Theory and had Marvel characters and everyone hired costumes and really got into the spirit of it all!

“I think Relay is that bit of fun when there’s so much emotion and hard work going into it all that can put a smile on some faces. And we definitely have fun doing it!”

As for this year’s event, Troy and the team are ready to roll.

“We had an absolute blast last year and this year will be even bigger and better!”

Amongst all the emotion and effort that goes into it, Troy says the sense of fun makes Relay For Life an event to remember and he can’t recommend it highly enough to others.

“Jump on board, get a team together for some fun, some tears and some hard work. Let’s help the people who help us!”

Want to see what Relay For Life is like? Get involved! We all have a reason to Relay, so register today to join the upcoming Gawler Relay on 18 to 19 March 2023. If you can’t make it to Gawler, you can also register to take part in the Adelaide Relay For Life on the 6 to 7 May 2023.