In the fight against cancer...

I've just spent the best part of the last 24 hours walking with many others in our local relay for life program that happens once a year.

I am part of a team known as Joan's Team in loving memory of a dear colleague who died some four years ago from a cancer related disease.

I am a mere participator, whereas another dear friend Lizzie is a coordinator and leader of our group with support by another, Gayle. Each year the focus is to raise funds for cancer research and education.

This year there have been more participants, groups and money raised than in years past, so it's obvious the word is getting out there that help is needed in order to eradicate this scourge from our lives.

Many people come along dressed in the traditional relay shirts and various bottoms. Some use the opportunity to dress up a bit and demonstrate their inner child.

At sundown on the Saturday there is a custom each year of lighting candles for those that have died, those fighting against cancer and those that have won the battle.

The time does give us opportunity to remember those we have loved and lost and those that are still battling against cancer. We too also rejoice with those that have fought against cancer and have won.

The whole concept is a very exhilirating experience despite being footsore and weary on the Sunday and one is left with the feeling that one has supported the community at large by being involved however minor in something so very great.

Of seas and ships and sealing wax....

I kind of am enjoying this bartering thing which is happening on the page of my dear friend Lizzie. http://nanalizzie.blogspot.com/2011/01/auction-for-queensland.html
Every evening (or when I can that is) I look to see what the bid is up to and so far I am in the lead even if by proxy.
Its great to be potentially involved in such a fundraiser....and I have plans of my own for another fundraiser I am involved in, should I win this one!

I have been working over the past few days. Tomorrow I am away from work and off to the Australian wedding for one of my colleagues. It just so happens there are two colleagues from work who were both recently married overseas (not together!).
One was in Scotland, and the other in Serbia and it is the Serbian couple's wedding I am attending tomorrow afternoon. It should be delightful as I have worked with Rachel for a few years now, gorgeous girl that she is. I suspect I'll need a few tissues or my handkerchief at the very least as its been a bit of a tumultuous time for both she and her husband between when they were first wed and tomorrow.
Lia, she who was married in Scotland, has had a bit more of a smooth path to her weddings. There are a number of other staff from work going to her wedding. If the timing is right tomorrow I will do my best to get from Rache's wedding to Lia's.
We shall see at the end of the day.
Hair at 10...champagne at the vicarage at 1...Rache's wedding at 2, Lia's wedding at 3, Rache's reception at 6, then Jo's to sleep away the night, brekky in the morning then work that afternoon.
What a whirlwind weekend that'll be!