Among the teams will be Ang’s Army, who will participate in the Cessnock relay for the second time.

The team formed last year in memory of Cessnock mother-of-two Angella Whipps, who passed away in January 2016, age 43.

Angella had battled cancer for 16 months, and her fighting spirit inspired the 20-plus family and friends who formed the Relay For Life team.

“She was quite the fighter… doing a few laps (at the relay) is nothing compared to what she went through,” Angella’s sister-in-law Marlie Caban said.

Her friend Jenelle Kidcaff said taking part part Relay For Life is a fitting tribute for Angella, who was a personal trainer.

“She would be proud of us,” she said.

The team held a barefoot bowls day in March (near Angella’s birthday), raising $1384, and plans to make it annual event.

Ang’s Army raised more than $5000 in 2016 and Ms Caban said they are hoping to do the same this year.

The Cessnock relay’s 2017 fundraising tally already sits at $31,500.

The funds raised will go towards Cancer Council initiatives such as the transport-to-treatment service that was launched in Cessnock in March.

As well as raising vital funds, Relay For Life celebrates survival, remembers loved one lost to cancer and urges participants to fight back against cancer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Cessnock’s Face of Relay, Kelly Moylan encourages all survivors and carers to register for the opening lap and the morning tea that will follow.

Ms Moylan said it has been an exciting year for me as the Face of Cessnock Relay and she looks forward to catching up with everyone on Saturday.

“I have spoken to so many survivors and carers and heard some great stories,” she said.

“It makes me realise that what I went through on my cancer journey has made me a better person who really appreciates life.”

The relay will start at 10am and has entertainment all day, including music and dance performances, kids activities and amusements, and the popular box car derby and Miss Relay events.

The candlelight ceremony of remembrance will be held at 8pm, followed by fireworks at 9.30pm for a 10pm close.

Register your team at relayforlife.org.au/cessnock.

See the full program in the Facebook post below.

Take a look back at last year’s Cessnock Relay For Life in the gallery below.