Global Hero of Hope and cancer survivor Alan Pottie has been named the new chairman of Wagga's Relay For Life ahead of the annual October event.
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Taking over from Duncan Potts, Mr Pottie has been on the Wagga Relay For Life committee since 2012 and last year was named a Global Hero of Hope from the American Cancer Society, recogising his community contributions.
Mr Pottie said being a part of the Cancer Council's event was about more than just community spirit.
"It's heartwarming for me to be able to give back, and as a cancer survivor you know what it's like and can sympathise with some of the patients, it's quite cathartic," he said.
"Relay For Life is a massive event so to take it globally after being named Global Hero of Hope is amazing - Sometimes you forget it's not just a little country town event or just in Wagga, it is all over the world."
The event provides and opportunity for people to come together for a great cause, according to Mr Pottie.
"It's always a great turnout every year, Wagga and surrounds are all very supportive and they can identify with the cause," he said.
"You're there for one reason - to celebrate, remember and fight back and everyone is in it together."
As well as being on the Relay for Life committee, Mr Pottie co-facilities ENRICHing Survivorship programs, Cancer Connect and is a research buddy and a community speaker.
New to this year's Relay will be number of chariot race challenges and a schools' challenge, as well as a variety of entertainment and the Showdown Boom Game Show making a comeback.
Wagga Relay For Life will be held at Conolly Park on October 19 and 20 this year, with 39 teams already registered for the major fundraiser hoping to raise $150,000.