If walking gets tough at the Hills Relay for Life this weekend, watch out for the youth army.
A group of nine teenage girls formed a team called Youth Ambassadors, but have dubbed themselves the ‘youth army’ and will be cheering other participants on the day to encourage them to keep going.
Put together by Beaumont Hills sisters Olivia and Sophia Wakeling, aged 14 and 15, the volunteers will also help set up the event, assist with the floats and sell Cancer Council merchandise throughout the 24-hour relay.
Sophia says she and Olivia try to do as much volunteering as they can, having done so with the Castle Hill RSL Club and The Hills Council Bushcare program.
‘‘The Hills has given us so much and we want to be as involved [with the community] as possible,’’ she said.
‘‘I think youth in The Hills wants to give back so the youth army is aiming to bridge that gap at the Hills Relay for Life.
‘‘We gain a lot ourselves by volunteering.’’
Olivia wanted to get involved with the event because she believes everyone has a personal connection with a cancer victim.
‘‘I hope it will be a day to remember and a day to educate more people about cancer,’’ she said.
During the overnight walking event there will be live entertainment, stalls selling food and raising money for cancer research, a candle light ceremony and a silent disco at night.
The first lap, at 10am, is for cancer survivors and carers and will be followed by a morning tea (contact James Butler on 0412 368 337 to register for this lap).
The Youth Ambassadors will hold a special screening of The Fault In Our Stars at Event Cinemas Castle Towers on June 8 at 5.30pm. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at The Hills relay this weekend.
The film tells the story of two teenagers who meet and fall in love in a cancer support group.
To donate to the Youth Ambassadors click here.
■ The Hills Relay for Life is on May 3 and 4 at the Centenary of Anzac Reserve in Wrights Road, Kellyville.