They know through experience that cancer can come from nowhere and they hope to spread the message that there is support out there for those affected by cancer.

The McInerney’s cancer challenge started four years ago when their son Stephen woke up and had blurred vision and headaches, later tests showed he had an inoperable brain tumour.

“We were so surprised because we had no history of cancer in the family,” John said. 

An operation returned Stephen’s vision but his life changed dramatically, he currently has chemotherapy every fortnight, which limits his energy.

The McInerney’s said they were amazed by the response of their family and friends after the news broke. 

“Even a phone call from friends you’ve not spoken to in a while after that initial shock is the kind of support you need,” John said. 

“It brought the family a lot closer and we became more aware of other people’s fights with cancer in the community.” 

The shocks would continue not long after Stephen’s diagnosis when John discovered that he had prostate cancer and a year after that their son Mark felt symptoms and was told he had bowel cancer. 

Luckily these cancers were picked up in the early stages and John and Mark are back to good health, Stephen continues to battle on and hopes to return to the work force soon.  

“It’s so far so good,” said Judy. 

John and Judy said they were surprised when they were asked to become the Face of the Relay because they don't see themselves as any different to any other loving family.

“We help out wherever we can whether that’s doing house work for Stephen and Crystal (Stephen’s wife) or driving Stephen to the hospital,” John said. 

“It’s also about being positive and sharing a joke here and there.”

John and Judy haven’t had a long association with the Relay For Life but were convinced to join up by their daughter in law to be a part of the team that raised $10,500 for the New South Wales (NSW) Cancer Council last year.

“The Relay For Life is great because it makes people who have cancer and there carers know that they aren’t alone,” John said. 

“The carers and survivors walk is really quite emotional but overall the atmosphere at the Relay is more like a party.

“I urge anyone who is suffering to come to the Relay, even if it’s just for afternoon tea, because you feel a connection to these people who are in a similar position to yourself.” 

“It’s not as taboo as it once was, people speak freely about it and I think some of that is to with the work of the Cancer Council,” Judy said. 

Because of the family’s situation they’re more active when it comes to fundraisers and said they hope to equal the massive total they raised last year. 

To register for the Relay For Life Singleton visit http://www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au/ or phone the Singleton office on 65712899. 

Alternatively head to the New South Wales Cancer Council Singleton shopfront on 69 John Street.