Dunstan High School has raised more than $1000 for the Cancer Society through holding a fun 'Relay your way' event at school last Thursday.

Around 450 students and teachers were involved despite year 10s being rostered home on the day, and covid-19 isolation requirements and illness also meaning some staff and students couldn't take part.

Dunstan High School service committee leaders and event organisers Tabitha Hildyard and Isla Melton had been working on the idea since the start of the term, with the support of other committee members and teachers, Keri Barnett and Sally Mullally.

There were four relay related events, with each year group spending 15 minutes at each. They included an inflatable relay which was hired from Sports Central, a frisbee golf game provided by Vortica sport, a capture the flag game and classic races including a sack race and egg and spoon challenge.

Isla said the organisers wanted to raise money for the Cancer Society in a fun, interactive way that could involve much of the school.

"It's been a hectic term and disturbed a lot by covid-19 so this was also a chance to give back to the school. Lots of laughs were shared as students competed in activities.

"The inflatable relay was the best activity. It was something different and one that everyone seemed to get involved in the most.

"The teachers were also constantly in fits of laughter watching students compete to get to the end of the relay," Isla said.

Birds eye view: a drone photo of the gathering on the school field. PHOTO: James Avenell

Drone video taken showing the entertaining activities undertaken for the fundraiser. VIDEO: James Avenell

Isla said another highlight was seeing the amount we had raised for Cancer Society going up.

"I’m so grateful for everyone’s contribution."

Along with a give a little page, students could donate money at school on the afternoon of the activities.

The Cancer Society's major annual fundraiser Relay for Life looked a little different this year due to covid-19 requirements, it was renamed 'Relay Your Way' - giving participants plenty of choice and control over what they wanted to do.

After signing up fundraising groups got to choose when to hold their event, where to hold it and who with.

The school's give a little page will remain open for a few more weeks, it can be viewed here.

At the time of writing Relay Your Way events, held by 2,831 fundraisers across New Zealand had raised almost $919,000 this year.

The Cancer Society said in a media release the funds raised through Relay For Life are essential in helping cancer patients and their whānau get the care and practical support they need: from safe transport to treatment, through to specialist nursing and psychology support, and accommodation for those travelling for treatment.

Funds also go to ground-breaking cancer research and vital prevention programmes. For more about the Cancer Society's work see their website.