REDLANDERS are proving that every step taken during Relay for Life is a step closer to a cure for cancer.
While this year's Relay for Life began at 2pm on Saturday, participants have already raised $21,000 for the Cancer Council. The money will go towards cancer research and support programs for those affected.
Redland City's Relay for Life patron, mayor Karen Williams, thanked relayers for their efforts during the event's opening ceremony at Redland showgrounds.
She said anti-cancer gene therapies, treatments for myeloid leukemia and other advances had been developed thanks to funds raised.
Relay organiser John Simpson, whose sister Ann and mother Patricia died from the disease, said candles would be lit from 7pm on Saturday in honour of participants’ lost loved ones.
He said the spirits of those lost would be remembered as walkers pushed themselves throughout the more than 16-hour event, which ends at 8am on Sunday.
While the cause is serious, fun is promised with games, including a celebration of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's marriage. Mr Simpson said relayers would make newspaper wedding gowns to wear while walking overnight.
More than $1 million has been raised by Redlands' relayers throughout the past 16 years for the cause, with the endurance relay symbolising the hard fight patients must endure after being diagnosed.
About 250 participants, all who have been affected or known someone with cancer, signed-up for this year's Redland City event.
Councillor Wendy Boglary, who became involved with Relay for Life in 2001 after losing her father Ron to cancer, said people could support cancer patients, their families and help find a cure by fundraising for Cancer Council.
"It feels like we are doing something because we can't all be surgeons," she said.
Tins of donated food, to be used as stands for commemorative candles lit at the 7pm ceremony, will be given to homeless charity Night Ninjas on Sunday morning.
To help relayers and volunteers reach Relay for Life’s $42,000 fundraising goal for the Redlands, visit here.