All welcome in survivors' lap at Relay for Life

Governor Kate Warner, left, cutting the ribbon to start
the 2016 Derwent Valley Relay for Life. 

ALL cancer survivors and carers are welcome to take part in one of the key events of this weekend's Derwent Valley Relay for Life, alongside the registered participants.

Tasmanian Governor Kate Warner will be a special guest, attending both in her vice-regal capacity to officially open the event, and as a person undergoing treatment for cancer. Professor Warner opened the second Derwent Valley Relay for Life three years ago and will return to open the fourth event this Saturday.

There are now 15 teams and more than 200 participants registered for the event at Tynwald Park, New Norfolk, which raises money for the Cancer Council Tasmania. More teams and walkers are welcome, with online registrations open until midnight tonight. Registrations will also be taken on the day from 11am. Registration costs $25 per person, or $30 on the day.

The official opening at 1pm will be followed by the Survivors and Carers Walk. This special lap of the oval is for anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis or cared for someone affected. "They do not need to be a registered participant and it is free to join the Survivors and Carers Walk. We strongly encourage anyone affected to take part," Cancer Council spokeswoman Katrina Foxton said. "The rest of the participants will join in for the second lap. After this, survivors and carers are invited to enjoy afternoon tea prepared by the Magra CWA and sponsored by Bel Bird's Guardian Pharmacy," Ms Foxton said.

Other catering will be done by the New Norfolk Cricket Club via its canteen on site, while the Council Conquerors team will cook up a barbecue tea. The next major event of the relay is then the luminary ceremony at 8.30pm which is a special time to remember those impacted by cancer.

The relay continues throughout the night, with a big breakfast cooked by the Lions Club of New Norfolk, and then the final lap at 8.45am, followed by the closing ceremony.

Special activities during the event will include the Sands Family Circus providing both entertainment and circus skills workshops, as well as Freedom Fitness conducting challenges for young and old. The Derwent Valley Concert Band will headline the musical entertainment, followed by a line up of local talent.

Relay For Life merchandise will be available at the event after 3pm, with most items priced under $10. To register as a participant or to donate to the fundraising, visit bit.ly/RFLDERWENT or phone 1300 65 65 85.