Up to 1200 participants are expected in Relay For Life’s 18-hour charity walk at the Deakin University oval starting tomorrow night.

The event has grown each year since starting in 2002, and Warrnambool Relay For Life chairwoman Linda Gore said she was hoping for a bigger and better fund-raiser this weekend for the 10th anniversary.

“It’s certainly grown every year,” Mrs Gore said. “The first was just over 30 teams; now we are expecting about 55 by Friday.

“It’s very exciting to think where it will be in another 10 years.”

She said to mark the 10th year, organisers and participants were running a special theme of “celebration”.

“Each campsite decorates their tent, so they can take the theme as they like. “We’ll have a candlelight ceremony and part of that is celebrating people who have survived cancer.

“Carers and survivors will open with a lap, and at the same time we’re remembering people who have passed away from cancer as well.”

About 15 teams have faithfully been to every event in the 10 years, contributing to a total of $1 million raised.

Mrs Gore said last year’s event reached more than $130,000, and this weekend would likely be even more. “Over the last nine years we’ve raised just over $1 million, which is awesome.

“The committee is probably hoping get to about $140,000 plus this year.

“Some teams have been fund-raising for 12 months — they finish one relay and start raising for the next.

“Each has their own way, whether it’s movie nights, trivia nights, raffles and car washes.”

Entertainment will be provided, with local bands donating time to perform, as well as children’s activities and a free barbecue on Saturday morning.

The opening ceremony begins tomorrow at 7pm, with a candlelight ceremony at 9pm.

The event’s closing ceremony will be held at 1pm on Saturday.

j.pech@standard.fairf ax.com.au