The Relay was held on October 17 and teams had a month to complete their banking.

Cessnock Relay For Life chairperson Clint Ekert said he was blown away by the final figure.

“We had a target of $80,000 and we are one of the only relays in the area to get as close as we did, which is a huge effort for a small community like ours,” Mr Ekert said.

“We had over 450 people registered, 42 teams took part in the day and the new format of one day got a resounding two thumbs up from relayers on the day.”

Relay For Life is the biggest team-based fundraising event held in Cessnock, and has raised just over $780,000 in its eight years.

Money raised goes towards research, home services, the Cancer Council Helpline, accommodation for patients, support packs, legal and financial advice and much more.

Mr Ekert was invited to attend the launch of an accommodation partnership between the Cancer Council and Accor, which is being made available thanks to funds raised at event like Relay For Life.

“This is a huge benefit to people in our area who have to travel for treatment,” Mr Ekert said. 

“We heard from the first family to benefit from this service. Both children travel  to Sydney for treatment on two consecutive days, so the family is now able to be together and not have to travel back and forward.”

Mr Ekert said the 2016 Cessnock Relay For Life (October 15) will raise funds for an exciting new service that will be based right here in Cessnock, to help local cancer patients.

If you are interested in joining the committee, come along to Cessnock Leagues Club on Tuesday, December 8 at 6pm.