Residents are invited to take part to unite in hope, remember loved ones, celebrate survival and raise funds to beat cancer.

Participants will take turns walking or running around the track at Yass Showground to honour those in the local community touched by cancer.

The two-day event will see teams camp overnight with at least one member from each team encouraged to keep on the track at all times.

Yass Relay For Life committee member Cathy Cooke said one of the best things about the even was the unity.

“Relay brings people together for 24 hours and everyone is working towards a common goal. The biggest impact on me has been seeing families or groups of friends participating in memory of someone that they have lost,” Ms Cooke said.

“Their determination to bring hope to others who are just starting the cancer journey is so inspiring.”

Relay For Life is for anyone of any age or fitness level and provides an opportunity for the community to come together and cultivate hope.

For those taking a break from walking there will be food stalls, live music, games and activities to keep the family entertained and strengthen community ties.

There will be an information night held at the Soldiers Club on Thursday October 19 at 6.30pm.

Anyone can come along and find out more about the Relay, meet other participants, pick up their shirts and ask any questions to the organising committee.

This year’s event will take on a Christmas theme so the event will be a great way to kick off the festive season.

Kelly Dinnerville, Cancer Council NSW community relations coordinator, said they were excited about holding a festive relay this year and were hoping for around 300 participants getting into the Christmas spirit.

“It really is a moving experience and I encourage people to come along and enjoy the festivities. Although we encourage teams to have someone on the track for 24 hours, you can just come and see what it’s all about, participate in the activities, enjoy the live entertainment and great food options on offer,” Ms Dinnerville said. 

The incidence of cancer in NSW is projected to increase by 44 per cent between 2006 and 2021 with the greatest increase (70pc) expected in Southern NSW.

Relay For Life gives the opportunity for Yass to come together and walk as survivors, patients, carers and families while remembering those lost from cancer.

In 2017, Yass Relay For Life aims to raise a total of $40,000.

Funds raised will go towards support and prevention programs in the local area as well as world-class research that will improve treatment and support for cancer patients and their families in Yass and across Australia.

There will be two special ceremonies – opening ceremony and hope candlelight ceremony.

The opening ceremony will start at 9.30am to celebrate cancer survivors and carers while the hope candlelight ceremony will begin at dusk to remember those who have passed away from cancer.

To register a team or to donate, visit: www.relayforlife.org.au/yass or call 4223 0242.