The Relay raised $84,000 in its first year in 2008, bettered that by $12,000 this year, and Cessnock Relay For Life chair, Ian Howson, said they are hoping to raise more than $100,000 at the relay in March next year.

Guest speaker at the launch, held at Cessnock City Bowling Club, was Cancer Council NSW CEO, Dr. Andrew Penman.

Dr. Penman said defeating cancer takes a “team effort”, and that the efforts of more than 6000 Relay For Life communities worldwide have led to enormous advances in cancer survival rates over the last 20 years.

“I hope that as we keep growing Relay, we can say 10 years from now that survival rates have improved even more,” he said.

As well as raising money for cancer research, he said Relay For Life contributes to support services for cancer patients such as transport, financial assistance, counselling and the information centre at Calvary Mater Hospital.

“Fundraising is one thing that allows us ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” he said.

Dr. Penman also praised Cessnock City Council for introducing a smoke-free policy in the city’s parks and playgrounds.

“If we can do something about smoking, we can do something about 20 per cent of all cancer deaths,” he said.

He urged families, workplaces and social and sporting clubs to spread the word about cancer prevention, with programs such as bowel screening and sun protection.

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The 2010 Cessnock Relay For Life will be held on March 20 and 21 at Baddeley Park.

For more information or to register your team, phone Ian and Sue Howson on 4990 7379 or visit www.relayforlife.org.au and follow the links to ‘Cessnock 2010’.