Hundreds of Canberrans walk through the night to fight cancer.

Hundreds of Canberrans walk through the night to fight cancer.

This weekend over 700 Canberrans will walk in relay for 24 hours at the AIS Athletics Track to raise vital funds for local cancer support, prevention, and research as part of Cancer Council ACT's event Relay For Life.

Cancer Council ACT CEO Verity Hawkins says, “Relay For Life really is such a meaningful community event, with teams coming together to not just support each other, but primarily to support those in our lives who have been affected by cancer,”

“With almost half of all Australians diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, cancer really does impact all of us. Relay For Life raises funds that go directly to cancer support and prevention here in the ACT.”

Local mum and Relay For Life participant Claire Nixon turned to Cancer Council ACT for support when her daughter, Makayla, was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer in her leg in 2021. Ms Nixon said Cancer Council was there in her time of need and provided some direction during a difficult time.

“I remember ringing Cancer Council ACT when Makayla was diagnosed, to find out what we could do and where we could turn. It was a bit of a mind spin, and everything felt like it just stopped. "It was good know those services were available.”

 After spending two years undergoing surgery and physio to treat the affected leg and remove the cancer, Makayla is looking forward to participating in the event. Her goal is to walk in the Survivor, Carer and Fighter First Lap, joined by her family.

“I’m very excited to do it! Relay For Life is raising money for a really good cause.”

 Teams have been fundraising and training since December and will take to the track from Saturday 1 to Sunday 2 April 2023.

Canberrans are called to support teams as they walk for 24 hours by contributing to their fundraising efforts.

The public can support individual teams or the general cause by donating at www.relayforlife.org.au/event/act-2023.