The Relay gave the Kempsey community and more than 225 participants the opportunity to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors and their their carers, and to raise money to help save more lives.

Macleay Valley Relay for Life committee member Jenny Gee told The Macleay Argus that the day was a really important step towards finding a cure for cancer.

“Too many people are dying of cancer and we have to do whatever we can to stop it,” Ms Gee said. 

“I started getting involved in Relay for Life because my mum died of cancer. 

"It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s good to be part of something that can help find a cure and when it all comes together it’s a really good feeling to know that we helped." 

Cancer Council NSW community relations coordinator Fiona Foulkes said it was really important to raise awareness about cancer in the community.

“It’s not so much the awareness of the event, but more the support side of it,” Ms Foulkes said.

“People who have been diagnosed with cancer or have been through treatment haven’t really talked to people about their experience.

“I think people feel comfortable in talking to other people about what they have been through at Relay for Life.  

"It’s a chance for people to talk to other people who have been through the same thing.”

One such survivor of cancer is Renee Marchment of Crescent Head, who for the first time spoke about her experience at the event.

“I was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma at the age of 24 and it turned my family’s life upside-down,” Ms Marchment said.

“I went through extensive surgery with the biggest being the removal of all the lymph nodes from my left groin where I had a tumour.

“I had been approached by the Relay for Life team to speak before and I guess I didn’t feel ready to tell my story, but when I was asked again this year I felt the need and I was ready to do it.

“Although I started crying as it was very emotional I found it was good for the soul to be able to talk to people and raise awareness of the seriousness of cancer.”