Around $25,000 has been raised from Saturday’s (March 19) Relay for Life event at Pembroke Park.

More than 100 people signed up for the Cancer Society fundraiser, which involved walking around Pembroke Park for 20 hours starting at 3pm on Saturday.

After many many hours of walking, participants were all smiles, Cancer Society events and campaigns coordinator Nicole Rushbrook said.

“The vibe was really good and the community spirit was high,” she said. “Spirits seemed to keep up and they kept going.”

Cancer Society events and campaigns coordinator Nicole Rushbrook said spirits were high at the event, which included music, entertainment and tributes.

Nicole said the idea behind the event was that taking part in the relay was like “walking in the shoes” of someone with cancer and experiencing that determination they have every day.

As well as the walk, the event included music and entertainment, plus tributes to lost loved ones and a candlelight ceremony, which Nicole said was a highlight.

Participants and spectators lit candles in memory of loved ones and three Upper Clutha residents - Andrew Thomspon, Ben Suncin and Steve Moss - gave touching speeches, she said.

Nicole said she was always touched by the community spirit of these kind of events.

“It’s such a nice feeling to know that there are still people out there who are willing to come out and do this kind of thing and support other people.”

Participants walked, relay-style, from 3pm on Saturday until 11am on Sunday and tents were pitched on Pembroke Park for those who needed a nap. 

The Cancer Society supports individuals and families who have faced a cancer diagnosis, offering services from counselling, support groups, one-on-one treatment through to transport for treatment and accommodation. 

The money raised locally will support its work and makes up a share of the almost $1M that has been raised throughout the country from a range of regional Relay for Life events.

The local fundraiser is still open and anyone wanting to contribute can do so here.

The Cancer Society’s next fundraiser is coming up in May - Jump for Cancer. 

Individuals can sign up and raise money for the society and if they reach $1,000 or more they’ll be given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go skydiving.

Nicole encouraged anyone who is interested to find out more here.

PHOTOS: Supplied