Relay for Life is one of the biggest events on Wagga’s charity calendar and it’s sooner than you may think.

Thursday, July 5, will mark the start of a 100-day countdown to the Cancer Council’s massive fundraiser and Wagga is going to be kicking off the 2018 event with a free breakfast in Connolly Park.

Linda Hoey from the Cancer Council’s Wagga office said the breakfast, which runs from 7am to 9am, would give participants the chance to kickstart their 2018 efforts.

People will be able to register their teams, book campsites and pick up raffle tickets to start selling, as well as checking out the new site for the event.

Already 25 early bird teams have registered for the Wagga Relay, which will be held from 10am on October 13.

Wagga averages about 100 teams in the 24-hour annual relay, with participant numbers reaching 2000.

One regular participant is Alan Pottie, who is also a member of the organising committee for Wagga’s Relay.

Mr Pottie, who was treated for tonsil cancer in 2010, has been “Relaying” since 2012.

He said participants come from across the community and included people who had an experience with cancer either personally or through a loved one and those who wanted to give back to their community.

“Part of it is trying to turn that experience into something positive,” Mr Pottie said.

“This really is a whole-family event. It is very community and family friendly.”

There is likely to be a little extra spring in Mr Pottie’s step as he takes part in the Relay in 2018.

Mr Pottie’s commitment to the Relay for Life has seen him being named as a Global Hero of Hope by the American Cancer Society.

The Heroes of Hope program profiles cancer survivors and caregivers whose work exemplifies the mission of Cancer Council and Relay For Life.

This year, Wagga’s Relay has a fundraising goal of $160,000.

With 25 teams and 58 participants already signed up, $16,178.33 has been raised.

Money raised from Wagga Relay For Life goes towards helping local patients, particularly those who need financial assistance, transport to treatment and accommodation when receiving treatment.

Visit the Relay for Life website for more information.

If you or anyone you know needs assistance after a cancer diagnosis, call 13 11 20 to receive support.