Waimate High School students went the extra mile this month to raise life-saving funds for the Cancer Society.
The school’s relay for life event, which is held every two years, raised over $20,000 for the South Canterbury Cancer Society.
Co-organiser Ashleigh Nicolson said the school’s final fundraising total was $20,939.43, which was double the school’s goal.
‘‘To be able to raise over $20,000 each time we have run the relay is unbelievable.’’
It showed what an important and relatable cause it was, she said.
‘‘It also shows how lucky we are to have the most supportive school community. It is nice knowing they have our backs when organising an event like this.’’
The event took place earlier this month and students participated into the night.
Mrs Nicolson said it was an emotional and uplifting evening.
‘‘It was heartwarming to see the emotion of our ‘survivors lap’.’’
The survivors lap was the first lap of the night, and school families and community members who had been affected by cancer walked it while two students sang.
‘‘A highlight for me was the ‘conga line lap’.’’
There was something very special about seeing every single participant joining in, dancing the conga around the track, Mrs Nicolson said.
‘‘I was so impressed by our students pushing themselves physically to complete the relay as it got cold and damp into the night.’’
Co-organiser Tom Atwill said such events were ‘‘incredibly valuable’’ for the younger students coming through.
‘‘Seeing what their school and older peers can achieve inspires them to follow the same path and strive for even greater things,’’ Mr Atwill said.
The school is aiming to do it all again in 2028.
