The opening ceremony was followed by a 24 hour walk where members of the community raised funds for research and services, celebrated survival and success, remembered loved ones lost and fought back against cancer.

Master of ceremonies was Stuart Barnes on his first day of retirement. The message for the 2016 event was to not be complacent when it comes to defeating cancer.

During the opening ceremony ambassador Aron Downie shared his survival story and and how it led him to do a PhD through the University of Sydney Medical School where he is studying better ways for pathology in people with back pain.

“Because of my cancer I have learned to look at my mortality and remain positive for whatever eventuates. I have learned a lot of new skills. I have a chance to teach evidenced based care and contribute to health care through research,” he said.

Mr Downie said family support was so important for people with cancer and he recognised how they suffer as well. He said the Cancer Council had been wonderful to him and his family. “We all try and give back when we can. We raise awareness for cancer, fundraising and the support of the dedicated members from the Cancer Council are all key to empowering people who live through this disease,” he said.

The relay was coordinated by the Cancer Council NSW with the help of volunteer from the community. It celebrates those who have overcome cancer or are undergoing treatment, as well as the people who care for them. And it remembers loved ones lost to cancer.

On Saturday night there was a candlelight ceremony of hope, a minute’s silence, remembrance slideshow, Peter Newell paying tribute to the late Rikki Organ and a lap of hope.

The 2016 relay will take the total raised over the years for research and local cancer support services to almost $3 million.