More than 20 Unity College students have formed teams, each one saying they know someone personally who has battled with cancer.

Unity teacher librarian Louise Bond said the students’ interest in raising money for the cause began two years ago after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and her daughter Nikki came up with the idea of starting a mini Cancer Council.

“I thought Nikki might fall into a heap but instead she formed the Mini Cancer Council,” she said.

“Daffodil Day was coming up and she got a group together and started fundraising.

“The Mini Cancer Council stayed together and when Nikki saw a flyer for Relay For Life in 2010 she formed a team.”

Nikki said the idea for the Mini Cancer Council just came to her but at first she was too shy to say anything.

“I thought of it and then one day at school I shared it with friends who thought it was a good idea,” she said.

Year nine student Adele Doecke said when Nikki told her about her mother’s cancer, and what she wanted to do, she was keen to be a part of the fundraiser.

“Mini Cancer Council fundraises with raffles, Biggest Morning Teas, Girls Night In, face painting at the Unity Fair and Relay for Life,” she said.

“This year we have raised about $3000.”

Murray Bridge Relay for Life has attracted 23 teams for the 2011 event which will be held on November 26 and 27 on the senior school oval at Unity College.

The public is invited to visit the event to support teams as they complete the 19-hour relay and enjoy entertainment from the African Voice of Peace Choir, and a range of bands including Plasticine Army and Lost and Found.