Overnight fundraiser an ‘amazing effort’

Students take their first steps in the 12-hour Otago Students’ Relay for Life event. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

University of Otago students turned out in their hundreds to walk and run through the night in the Otago Students’ Relay for Life late last month.

The giant community fundraising event for the Southern Cancer Society raised more than $105,000 overnight on March 28, and the total keeps rising as more donations roll in.

Southern Cancer Society events manager Emma Anderson was delighted with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the students who took part in the 12-hour overnight event.

"What an amazing effort from everyone," she said.

"Every campsite, team baton and costume had a point of difference and it was clear that teams had enjoyed creating their own theme and costumes."

The Otago Students’ Relay for Life was officially opened by Relay for Life ambassador Jen Simon, who is battling grade 4 Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a rare form of brain cancer.

Ms Simon was also keynote speaker at the moving Candlelight Ceremony at midnight.

Students walked and ran a circuit around the University of Otago Clocktower building throughout the night, keeping their spirits up with music and fun exercise classes until the closing ceremony at 7am.

Students take part in a fun exercise session during the early morning hours

Dunedin Photographic Society members and volunteers were on hand to take photographs throughout the event.

Ms Anderson thanked everyone involved for the "energy, costumes, student community spirit and the outstanding fundraising achieved from everyone at the Relay For Life Otago Students".

"And a huge thanks to our event sponsors and supporters that made this amazing student community event possible," Ms Anderson said.