Cemeteries move for anti-cancer campaign

STAFF at Ballarat Cemeteries are putting their sneakers on to make tracks for cancer research this month.

As part of The March Charge, a Cancer Council fundraising and fitness initiative, they will tackle the challenge by walking, running or cycling as many kilometres as they can, gaining sponsorship and helping researchers kick the disease to the curb along the way.

Brenda Bowers said Ballarat Cemeteries were inspired to take part because of their place in the community, and they are encouraging residents to get moving, join their team, or form their own with family, friends or colleagues.

“We interact with clients who often, unfortunately, have been diagnosed with cancer themselves, or have had a loved one pass away from cancer, and we have our own family experiences with cancer,” she said.

“We’re acutely aware of its effect on our community. Our inspiration comes from those who have been diagnosed, and lost their battle, so we want to do our little bit.”

Anyone is welcome to head to the campaign page and become a team member, and to enjoy the “beautiful” Ballarat Cemeteries spaces while they get active for a worthy cause.

“We’re an open space that’s part of the community, so we encourage people to use it, reflect and honour the people laid to rest here,” Ms Bowers said.

“It’s a community endeavour to support people diagnosed and their families.”

Visit bit.ly/304chsR to donate, and the Ballarat Cemeteries Facebook at bit.ly/3kMKaIcto keep up to date with the campaign.