The relay kicks off with cancer survivors and carers doing a lap of honour, sending a message of hope that many survive the disease and go on to lead happy and productive lives.
The lap is followed by relay teams making their way around the Arena track.
At least one or two members from every team must be on the track during the 24-hour overnight event, signifying cancer never sleeps.
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READ NOWAt last year’s Relay for Life, Bobby Dazzlers team member Norman Harrison was carer for his wife, Heather, in a team celebration of her recovery from breast cancer. But this weekend their roles will be reversed.
Heather will be Norman’s carer following his diagnosis of stomach cancer in July.
Norman is pretty upbeat about his lot and expects to attend many future relays.
Bobby Dazzlers team captain Julie-Ann Walsh, who is Norman’s daughter-in-law, said her 17-member team was made up of family and friends and all were looking forward to an exciting and busy overnight weekend.
“We feel we are celebrating this event to honour Norman and his fight with cancer,” she said. “In the meantime we have been busy fundraising to assist the Cancer Council with its cancer research and support programs.”
Also read: Opportunity to be involved in important cancer study.