With less than 11 days to go, the preperations are coming along nicely. The supporters are frantically fundraising and helping with the logostics of this attempt.

I've had to buy new shoes and special socks, compression pants, tubs of staminade, voltaren, nurofen, aspirin, litres of coke which I will need to make flat, a lap counter, battery backups for my I phone so that I can GPS track the entire 24 hours and plenty more.

I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have recieved over the last few months. Many people have said that I'm insane (and I'm sure they are right) but they are all putting up their hands to help. It is going to be an amazing event.

I have been asked by many people who or what I am relaying for. I relay for those who can't. Anyone who has been through cancer, or cared for someone who has, knows just how much of an impact it can have. Even the simplest of things can become almost impossible. While I have the ability to, I am going to.

Of course my inspiration has been my sister-in-law Cheryl, and my best mates dad Allan. They have both looked cancer in the eye and beaten it back with a cricket bat! 

 Bring it on!!  

A huge thank you has to go out to Grace Farah from 2st who is a great supporter of the Relay for Life. Having heard about my intenions she managed to track me down and conducted a quick interview over the radio.

This great event needs all the publicity and support it can get.

Thanks again Grace!!

To all those out there reading this, I thank you for taking the time to consider such an important issue. I have never had the misfortune of being diagnosed with cancer, and I must admit that up until recently the thought never even crossed my mind. It wasn't until just over two years ago, when a close member of my family was diagnosed with leukaemia, that I realised just how significant the impact of cancer can be. At the same time, my wife was almost due with our first baby girl. At this stage I was led to believe that statistics were suggesting 1 in 3 people would be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 80. It was this truly sobering fact that catalysed me into action. I realised that either my wife, my daughter or I would likely end up suffering from cancer and when you think about it in that way it can be quite jolting.

I began thinking of ways that I could help make a difference. The most obvious at the time was to be there for my family during that tough time, and I know that it was truly tough. Fortunately, despite the many setbacks, it would appear that all is now well. It was then it late 2010 that I was reintroduced to the Relay for Life. It had been many years since I had heard about the Relay and was thrilled to see the Southern Highlands community taking such pride in the event. The weather was absolutely atrocious and yet the spirit never faltered. I was finally inspired to do something big. Having spent some time researching the Relay and decided to follow in the footsteps of the founder of the Relay for Life, Dr Gordy Klatt, and attempt it solo. He managed to raise over $27,000 towards the American Cancer Society and this was back in 1985. An amazing result!

Thus I have decided to attempt all 86,400 seconds of the relay solo. Of course the logistics of such an attempt present some significant hurdles, but at this stage other than the occasional bathroom break, I will remain on the oval for the entire event and attempt to complete 400 laps (that's over 160km).

If you can support in any way it would be so very much appreciated.

All the best and good luck,

Ben White 

Every five minutes, another Australian is diagnosed with cancer. While survival rates are improving every day, cancer remains a leading cause of death. To improve this statistic we ask you to sponsor or join our team.

Our team is passionate about tackling health issues and being proactive in the fight against cancer.

Everyone's reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story. At Relay, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease. You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience. And you can gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to laugh, cry, and create lasting memories.

No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you are helping the Cancer Council save lives. So who will you Relay for?