Completing the Circle: A Ceremony of Remembrance
On Monday, 17th March, a small gathering took place at Tāhunanui Recreation Reserve, marking a poignant moment of reflection and remembrance for those we have lost to cancer. The Scattering of Ashes Ceremony, a long-standing tradition within the Cancer Society, provided an opportunity to honour the lives represented by the candle bags from our 2024 Relay For Life event.
A year ago, over 600 candle bags illuminated the night at the Richmond A&P Showgrounds, each one decorated with heartfelt messages, names, and memories of loved ones affected by cancer. These bags formed the heart of the candlelight ceremony, guiding participants as they walked or ran through the night in solidarity, raising funds and awareness for cancer research, support, and prevention.
Following the event, the candle bags were carefully collected and cremated with the support of our sponsors, Shone & Shirley Funeral Directors. This act transformed them into ashes, symbolising both the impermanence of life and the enduring impact of love and remembrance.
Returning the ashes to the earth at Tāhunanui Recreation Reserve held deep significance. This location, the site of our region’s very first Relay For Life in 2004, now holds a garden dedicated to that inaugural event. It was here, beside the tennis courts, that we gathered to complete the circle of remembrance. Led by celebrant Marg Palmer, with the stirring sound of Casey McConnon’s bagpipes filling the air, the ceremony was a quiet but powerful tribute to those who will never be forgotten.
The scattering of ashes is more than a symbolic act – it is a gesture of respect for the time, effort, and love that went into each candle bag. It acknowledges the deep connections we have to those we have lost and the ways in which their memory continues to inspire us.
The Scattering of Ashes Ceremony reminds us that while cancer takes much, it cannot take away the love we carry in our hearts. By honouring those who have passed, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting those still facing a diagnosis and to striving for a future where fewer lives are cut short by cancer.
To everyone who has been part of Relay For Life – whether walking, fundraising, or dedicating a candle bag—we thank you. Your love, your support, and your remembrance make a difference.
Below images and featured image photo credit Martin de Ruyter / Nelson Mail
