The Friday night event transformed the Deakin University oval into a sea of purple as hundreds gathered to raise money to stamp out the disease once and for all.

Relay For Life committee member Sharon Sell cut the ribbon, officially opening the first lap of the relay which was dedicated to cancer survivors and carers.

Ms Sell took part in the Cancer Council event for nearly 20 years to support friends who had been touched by cancer.

It wasn't until 11 years ago that the event really hit home, after cancer claimed the life of her father Brian Creece.

"He passed away from cancer 11 years ago, I remember the day he died we were out here at Relay For Life, so it makes it hard to be here with it being so close to the anniversary of his death," she said.

"Even before our family was touched we came here because we all knew someone who had been affected.

"It's a pretty emotional event, there's so many people here that know how you feel and you know how they feel.

"It's great to see so many people out here this year wearing purple for the cause."

Rows of marquees lined the outside of the oval, with banners and signs remembering loved ones.

At 9pm the glow of candles pierced the night during an emotional candlelight ceremony.

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