Murray York will keep the beat for all the participants at the 2017 Hawkesbury Relay For Life on September 9 and 10, as he vows to play his drums for the entire event.
The Royal Australian Air Force employee and amateur musician said he is attempting to equal his 24-hour drumming marathon when he plays his drums for the duration of the 24-hour relay event.
“I will be attempting to equal my 24-hour drumming marathon,” Mr York said.
“This is a feat that I have achieved previously on two other occasions while raising funds and awareness for cancer.
“I will have my kit all set up playing to backing tracks for the duration of the walk, apart from doing the first and last lap, and of course a break for the Hope Candlelight ceremony.”
Mr York started playing the drums after buying a kit in 1985. He is completely self-taught and says he hopes to keep the crowd entertained throughout the duration of the relay.
Mr York first heard about Relay For Life from colleagues and was a team captain at last year’s Hawkesbury Relay For Life.
“My team’s called Catch 22,” he said.
“As long as there are walkers on the track I will be drumming out a beat and hopefully keeping a level of entertainment as well. My slogan is ‘your donation is my motivation’.
“I’m very passionate about what I’m attempting to do, and I’m doing this one for dad, who I lost to cancer in 2014.
“I’m encouraging people as they walk, run or jog past me, to stop and say ‘hi’ and donate if they wish.”
Hawkesbury Showground will host the 2017 Hawkesbury Relay For Life from 9.30am Saturday, September 9 to 10am Sunday, September 10.
Windsor RSL Club will host a Relay Connect night from 6.30pm on August 1 for people keen to learn more about the event.
The 2017 Hawkesbury Relay For Life aims to raise $130,000 for Cancer Council NSW.
Relay For Life is a chance for communities to recognise and celebrate those who have overcome cancer or are undergoing treatment, and their carers. Relay also celebrates the memory of loved ones lost to cancer.
