Some had lost loved ones as recently as a week ago and were grieving deeply yet they turned out to help raise money for the goal of one day having a cancer-free world.

Organisers expect fund-raising efforts from the 55 participating teams will top last year’s $153,000 to bring the 10-year-total to more than $1.5 million.

They will finish the 18-hour event on Deakin University oval today weary, but satisfied they have done something worthwhile in the battle against the disease that 114,000 Australians fall victim to every year including 183 Warrnambool residents.

Relay committee chair Linda Gore is justly proud of the efforts of the army of volunteers.

“This region is very strong in its support of cancer research and treatment,” she said.

Deakin University head of campus at Warrnambool Professor Greg Wood said every dollar raised brought closer the goal of having a cancer-free world.

“Cancer is one of the most awful words in our language,” he said. Local MP and multi-portfolio state cabinet minister Denis Napthine lost his brother Chris to melanoma the age of 37. “Just like you, we never, never forget,” he told the crowd. “Every step you take around the oval you are making a difference.”

Event ambassador and guest speaker Jodie Fleming, 39, struggled to hold back tears as she read the relay oath and later shared her story of breast cancer. “My message to anyone struggling with cancer is — don’t give up,” she said.

The clinical psychologist at St John of God Hospital in Warrnambool survived more than a year of intensive treatment before being cleared last year.

Eight years earlier she cared for her ex-husband in his cancer battle.

Among the participants were workers and friends associated with Ryans Transport.

They had 27 walkers and a support crew of 20 including truckies who turned up during the night as their shifts finished. The Ryans Team has raised at least $2000 a year and started nine years ago.

pcollins@standard.fairfax. com.au