Six years ago Jeff Hintum’s wife Rebecca died of breast cancer 14 months after being diagnosed, leaving behind her young family which included children Maggie, 14, Sebe, 12, and Tori, 9.

Mr Hintum said his wife – who had to travel to Geelong for radiotherapy treatment – had been a strong advocate for the region having its own cancer centre.

He said the new cancer centre now being open thanks to the passion and generosity of the south-west community would have meant a lot to Rebecca.

“It’s just amazing how well the Warrnambool community pulls together – which this event makes evident,” he said.

Mr Hintum has rallied a team of at least 50 people together for the event every year since Rebecca’s death, and they’ve raised at least $30,000 through Relay For Life over that time.

“It’s great to acknowledge what a great wife and mum Bec was, and a friend to many,” he said.

“And also acknowledge other people that are going through the battle as well.”

The team’s baton, carried throughout the event, is a glass angel someone gave to Rebecca while she was sick.

“It’s not all emotional and doom and gloom, it’s about families getting together and having a bit of fun as well,” he said.

Warrnambool Relay for Life committee chairman Fran Hynes said there was a sense of camaraderie among the event’s participants –which numbered about 900 as the event got underway, a figure likely to rise.

She described the feeling at the beginning of the evening as “electric”.

“It’s always a beautiful atmosphere,” Ms Hynes said.

She said the beginning of the night was always rowdy but people quietened down later in the evening and as they continued to walk through the night.

“We decided to have a theme of celebration to celebrate the pure joy of still being here for some of us,” Ms Hynes said.

“It’s a time to reflect and embrace.”