More than 1200 people participated in the Warrnambool and District Relay for Life, which began on Friday evening.

The word hope stood in large, bold bright letters in the middle of the oval, a visual reminder for those fighting the disease and for others, hoping for a future where cancer doesn’t exist.

Hugh Worrall’s wife Heather passed away in 2011 and the family has entered a team in the event ever since.

Mrs Worrall was 59 when she was diagnosed with liver cancer and died three months later. 

Mr Worrall’s two daughters and son and 10 grandchildren make up a team of 30, which includes family friends.

“My mum’s coming out in the morning so there will be four generations of us walking in the morning. She’s only 89,” he laughed. 

Mr Worrall said the event provided a chance to reflect and chat with others who had also experienced the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. 

“It has its moments sometimes. You get a bit emotional. I come out to support the kids. They’ve all been through it like I have. I’m really proud of all of them and the way they support me.

“After it you just find there’s so many people affected by the disease. Once you’re involved in something like this, you realise how many people it affects and you’re here to support them too which is great. It’s lovely,” he said.

“Things like this help, to meet people and sit down and talk about it. We tend to try and be big tough people and hide it away but you need to talk about it and let people know how you feel,” Mr Worrall said.

 Committee member Carolyn Bishop said there were 36 teams, including 10 new ones and the goal was to raise $90,000.

“It’s a really lovely community event. Everyone's very supportive of each other when they’re out here,” Mrs Bishop said.