Accompanied by other members of the relay committee, she had been at Nowra Showground since 7am Friday morning.

Around 1200 attended the relay this year, raising an estimated $200,000 to help the Cancer Council with research, prevention and support services.

“The relay had an intimate community atmosphere,” said Ms McMahon-Coleman.

“Everyone was well-behaved. It was litter-free and stress-free.”

Some of the participants had been to every single relay since it began 12 years ago, others were coming for the first time.

“Some of the younger participants have grown up with the relay – it’s like Easter or Christmas to them,” she said.

“Everyone they know goes there and it’s part of what we do as a family or community.”

Ms McMahon-Coleman is a cancer survivor herself.

She was ill when the first relay was held and was not long into remission when the second relay came around.

“I rang up all my friends and family and said let’s spend the weekend at the Showground and raise some money so other families can have a good outcome,” she said, and she’s been going ever since.

“It’s very important for survivors and carers that they have that acknowledgement that the relay provides.”