"Why I Relay" - Aaron Morris
Its almost 2 years since I first entered the world of Relay, at the time my wife Nadine had joined a team and had singed up for the 2am slot. Not knowing what to expect I joined her, stepping into the ring of tents, at this time some were closed and quiet, others ringing with the sound of chat and laughter. What mainly caught my attention were the candle bags lit up around the field. As we walked it struck me of the stories of brave fights lost, those won and those still ongoing behind each of these beautifully decorated bags, a sense of reflection, remembrance, and a calmness. With this I was instantly hooked on this event and the sense of community it brings to what can often feel like an individual battle.
I returned last year as captain of the Wexford FC team; we had a small team but were proud to be part of this event. The daytime during relay is just as special as the nighttime just on a whole different vibe, one of celebration, music, events, and fun.
A community coming together to remember, celebrate and fight back. The three pillars of Relay so easily evident not only during these 24 hours but in the weeks and months of planning and fundraising the lead up to Relay. Relay is so much more than a 24-hour event, the relay weekend is more the connecting point of a network of individuals, groups and communities all consistently supporting each other and fighting cancer until it is no more. I understood this as I attended some of the many teams fundraising events in the build up to Relay 2023. During these events I had the pleasure of getting to know some of the members of the relay committee, a team of superstars who come together to enable the magic of Relay.
Unfortunately, like everyone else I have had family, friends, colleagues who have fought against Cancer, some who have passed, others who have fought and won and those who are in the middle of it all. As a scientist I have been lucky enough to work for companies who lead the way in development oncology treatments, and I look forward to a time where all types of ‘the big C’ becomes nothing but a footnote in peoples lives or less.
This year I had the privilege of been asked to join the committee, as survivors chair, a role I am immensely proud to take on and one that I hope that I can do my part in supporting the Relay community to continue to Celebrate, Remember, Fightback.
