At least $63,000 was raised from the grassroots event to help the Cancer Council in its mission to defeat cancer.

The almost 400 people who stepped out on Victoria Park No. 1 Oval also highlighted the many people in our region affected by the disease.

They showed that cancer can strike people of any age, male or female.

And they displayed their courage to continue living their lives.

They provided encouragement to those who may have been recently diagnosed that there is hope of successful treatment.

Trish Taylor, who was first a carer of someone with cancer before she herself was diagnosed, was one of those to walk the relay.

She also called attention to the challenges people in regional areas face in accessing treatment, something political leaders should address.

A mass community effort like the relay can also only help efforts to raise awareness of cancer.

Early detection remains vital to the chances of survival.

Well done to the 43 teams who walked all those hours, with the donation of their time showing their love for others.

Congratulations to the volunteer committee for organising the event.

Look out for and consider involvement in future fundraising events that could result in a breakthrough in treatment to rid our society of cancer.