Just over a fortnight out from the 2020 Relay For Life the decision has been made to cancel the fundraising event, due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
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"We've made the decision to cancel our Mudgee and District Relay For Life event on April 4 and 5. The health and safety of our volunteers, staff and supporters must come first at all times," Rory Alcock, director of Community Engagement - Cancer Council NSW, said.
"Given the risk to health currently posed by COVID-19, we're confident that the decision to cancel this event is in the best interests of our community.
"We thank everyone involved with the event for your understanding and ongoing support during these uncertain times."
The Orange and District Relay For Life, slated for last weekend, was also cancelled due to the developing situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19) infections. With other relays likely to meet the same fate.
The event was set to be the first 25-hour relay in the state - due to daylight savings ending the Saturday evening of the event and the clocks going back an hour.
And would've been the 11th local Relay - the first in 2003 - which throughout its history has raised close to $1million to help fund the Cancer Council's life saving research, information and support, and prevention programs.
Prior to the cancellation 24 teams had signed up and $14,376 had been raised.
The biennial fundraiser, held at Mudgee's Victoria Park, is a community event to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost, with teams taking turns walking or running the track.
Money raised is invested into Cancer Council's research as well as support programs for local people affected by cancer such as Transport to Treatment, Living Well After Cancer, the 13 11 20 helpline, and community action/prevention programs.
