Cessnock Relay For Life will be held at Baddeley Park on Saturday, October 17 from 10am to 10pm.

Balloon Worx owner Clint Ekert has taken on the role of chairperson, after being approached by the Cancer Council to join the committee.

“After the first meeting I had decided that I needed to grab this with both hands and run with it,” Mr. Ekert said.

“I didn’t want to see it slowly dwindle, we need to be pushing this through the 10-year mark and beyond.”

Mr. Ekert said he was inspired by his aunty’s recent battle with cancer.

“I got involved as I felt helpless, and had to be doing something to give back,” he said.

“My aunty was going through treatment at the time so I had to do something to help people going through the same.

“Unfortunately my aunty recently lost her battle and that has just fuelled the fire even more. We are fighting to beat cancer.”

Mr. Ekert said he was impressed to learn that for every dollar that is raised for the Cancer Council in the Hunter, more than $1.19 is returned in research grants, transport, legal advice or support for patients and carers.

Other new committee members include Cessnock Leagues Club CEO Paul Cousins, Energy Coal Marketing and PK’s Olde General Store proprietor Ross Crump, Energy Coal Marketing finance manager Melinda Sue and Cessnock Newsagency at PK’s supervisor Lisa Hugo.

They join Arna Hickey, Bruce Wilson and Sheila Turnbull, who have been on the committee for a number of years.

“All are very involved in the community, and it is a real team effort,” Mr. Ekert said.

“We are a small group achieving some pretty impressive goals.”

One of the initiatives the committee has introduced is a business challenge, in which local businesses can get the chance to promote their business while supporting the Relay.

The committee is also seeking more volunteers to help out on the day. Anyone interested can contact Mr. Ekert on 0400 158 323 or via ‘Cessnock Relay For Life’ on Facebook.