Friends walk Relay For Life in memory of Di | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Pat Smyth, Kay Schlegel and their Lake City Athletic team are walking this year's Relay For Life in memory of their friend Di Lee, who died after a battle with leukaemia two years ago.

At the inaugural event in Rotorua in March 2003 Di completed the survivor's lap, then supported the rest of the team taking part.

This year the group of ten walkers have called themselves Di's Way.

"We wanted to do something in her memory. She decorated our tent last time and made sure we had meals and enough to drink," said Pat Smyth.

Their friend was someone who was very talented and wouldn't give up once she started something, said Kay Schlegel.

"She was very clever with her hands. If she started something she just kept going until it was finished. She never gave up."

There are two memorable moments both women recall from the last event - the minute's silence and lighting of candles for people who have died of cancer.

Pat Smyth said she and Mrs Schlegel walked the midnight to 4am section of the relay together last time and found it a great time to be on the track.

"It was just amazing walking around the track and the candles still being lit. It was definitely very emotional."

The group are fundraising by holding sausage sizzles, car washes, and so on.

Another Lake City Athletic team called Judy's Way is also taking part in this year's relay.

In 2003 more than 400 people raised $34,000 at Neil Hunt Park during the 24-hour Relay For Life.

More than 40 teams of 10 or more members have already entered this year's event on the weekend of March 4 and 5 at the Rotorua International Stadium.

A meeting is being held tomorrow at the Pig and Whistle in Tutanekai St, Rotorua, at 5.30pm where people can find out more about the event and register.

Candle tribute bags can be bought from the Cancer Society office or at the event for a donation of $5. Registrations close February 13.

* For more information contact Melanie Short by phoning (07) 349 4556 or emailing melanieshort@cancersociety.org.nz