A total of 360 people celebrated the survivors of cancer and honoured those who have lost loved ones to the disease at the Singleton Showground on Saturday and Sunday. 

By November, Singleton Cancer Council’s Glen Parsons believes the Relay could raise a total of $70,000 towards the New South Wales (NSW) Cancer Council. 

“It’s a good effort by Singleton considering the economic pressures at the moment,” Mr Parsons said. 

“What was really pleasing was seeing 78 people register for the Relay on Saturday and the many groups who continued to raise money for the cause throughout the night.”

Leading the way in the fundraising was Team McInerney, who raised a massive $18,315, well beyond their $15,000 goal.

John and Judy McInerney opened the ceremony under the rain and led one of the largest groups of survivors and carers to walk at the Singleton Relay before lightning briefly halted the lap of honour. 

Those who attended the Relay were given an insight into the science of leukaemia from Newcastle University researcher Nikki Verrills, who has been funded by the NSW Cancer Council for an additional three years. 

“It’s good to show people where the fundraised money is going and that some of it does go towards important research as well as services,” Mr Parsons said. 

A total of 26 volunteers were integral to the smooth running of the Relay for Life and Mr Parsons said that the public is more than welcome to join their committee for the 2015 event. 

“Unique to this year’s Relay was the use of ribbons to symbolise the 24-hour journey of people diagnosed with cancer,” he said.

“Three ribbons were given out at the start of the Relay, another at 10pm and another the next day.

“The first one, grey and black ribbon, was the initial diagnose, the next black ribbon symbolised the loneliness and the last gold ribbon symbolised hope for a new day.”