There were emotional scenes at the opening ceremony of the final Corangamite Relay For Life on Saturday.
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A group of 12 teams have joined the fight against cancer by walking laps of Camperdown's Leura Oval for six hours straight.
During a powerful opening ceremony, Camperdown's Ian Pearson, who lost his beloved wife Eileen to cancer last Friday, cut the ribbon alongside sufferer Kevin Cronin, who was discharged from hospital that morning.
Mr Cronin's partner Verna read an oath before about 30 survivors and carers walked their final first lap.
Long term committee member Trish Wynd said it was sad to see the end of the event.
"Unfortunately it has had its day but all we can do is make it a happy occasion," she said.
"There’s a good group here who have really put in the hard yards over the past ten years. There’s also a big group behind the scenes that have helped get everything ready."
Over $26,000 had been raised at the time of writing. Ms Wynd said there were a number of cash donations on Saturday, with more expected across the weekend.
She said the final tally would be calculated in the coming days.
The relay has raised over $914,000 since its inception in 2010.
A candlelight ceremony will take place at 8.30pm where tributes are lit in honour of loved ones lost or in support of someone living with the disease.
Participants will walk through the night with a closing ceremony to be held on Sunday at 11am.
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