Helen and Phillip Harpley have been involved with Relay for Life since 2013, after their friend Tanya was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“We have also had several family members diagnosed since then,” Ms Harpley said.

“Tanya passed away and we’ve continued on every year. It’s been tough, but we’re here every year and we do coffee and food as well. 

“We have a big team ‘Go Nuts for Charity’ with my mum, my sister, Tanya’s husband and her daughter Crystal, my brother, his wife and kids, my friend Jason and my children and their friends.”

Participating in the relay get’s rid of the feeling of uselessness, Ms Harpley said. 

“You can’t physically help anyone when they’re ill and you can’t make things better, so being able to raise money and help the community makes you feel a bit better,” she said. 

“Relay is a great community, it’s a lot of fun on the day and everyone is happy and there for the same reason.

“It’s a really lovely day considering the reason we’re all there.” 

Ms Harpley said relay was a lot of work, but a lot of fun and encouraged all of Wagga to get on board. 

Thursday marked the start of the 100-day countdown to the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life and Wagga kicked off the 2018 event with a breakfast in Connolly Park.

Lachlan Bruce popped by the breakfast, with his mother Mel, to find out some more information. 

“I wanted to do it because it means I can run and do it for a good cause,” he said.

“We’ve been touched by cancer, our pop and nan were diagonsed.”

Lachlan and his mother said everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or another and that was why they were looking to learn more about the relay. 

Alan Pottie, who was treated for tonsil cancer in 2010, has been “Relaying” since 2012 and he has been named Global Hero of Hope by the American Cancer Society.

“People trust Cancer Council because it’s been around for so long and they know the money goes to a good cause,” he said. 

“The cause is also one that is close to people’s hearts.” 

With preparations ramping up for the Wagga Relay For Life, there are lots of options for community members to participate. 

Linda Hoey, volunteer with the Wagga Relay For Life Committee, said one of the simplest ways is to sell raffle tickets. 

“One of the easiest ways to get involved because you don’t have to organsie the prizes, you just sell the tickets,” she said. 

“Also if you’re signed up for the day, try to get a big team together because that will help on on the day.” 

Ms Hoey said money raised from the event goes towards helping local patients, particularly those who need financial assistance, transport to treatment and accommodation when receiving treatment.

Community members can sign up for the relay anytime from now, including on the day from 10am on October 13.