Relay for Life cause close to the heart

Scott Norman has a good reason for wanting to eradicate cancer.

Seven years ago, the Relay For Life Midwest chairman lost his mother to an aggressive form of melanoma.

“It has this big, long name and they (doctors) don’t know what it is,” Mr Norman said.

“It was just like, ‘what the heck are we going to do about this?’”

It was this tragedy that inspired Mr Norman, 47, to support Relay For Life, an annual Cancer Council event that raises awareness and money for cancer research.

But he has also had several close calls himself.

“I’ve had a few personal scares; I’ve had three melanomas removed,” Mr Norman said.

“One of them was cancerous and the other two weren’t – you just don’t know until they remove them.

“Now, once a year I go to a skin clinic and get checked, just to make sure I don’t have the same problem.

“I would say to people, go and get your skin checked immediately, because six weeks can be – for some cancers – the difference between life and death.”

Last year’s Midwest Relay for Life saw 26 teams and 276 participants take part, with $xxxx raised.

This year, organisers hope to raise $94,000. So far, the figure stands at more than $52,000.

“If we can reach the target I’ll be absolutely stoked. If we can better it, I’ll high five everybody,” Mr Norman said.

“My objective is to eliminate cancer from society: let’s get rid of cancer altogether.”

Organisers are hoping to attract more participants and volunteers ahead of this year’s event, which will be held at Geraldton’s GBSC Sports Park on October 19-20.

“Whether you’re a primary school student or a retiree, we can find a job for you,” Mr Norman said.

“Anything from being a flag marshal, to delivering messages, to helping shift gear around.”

Non-participants can support the cause by making a donation or by attending the event and buying a feed from a food stall.

To register a team, volunteer, or make a donation, visit fundraising.cancer.org.au.