In an incredible effort, during that time Wendy and her team, which includes her sister Linda Page, mother Dawn Shoesmith, brother and sister-in-law Mal and Monica Oke, Lisa Carroll, Lynda Garrett, Debbie Joines, Kerrie Webb, Tony McCann and partners and children as well like Andrew and Sean Carroll, have raised more than $150,000.

"We got involved through the late Louise Perkins," Wendy said.

Mrs Perkins was also one of the first local relay ambassadors.

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"We were friends through our children and the various sports they played and she said 'you've got to get involved in this'.

"We missed the first relay but have been involved ever since.

"We have since lost Louise to cancer and we just keep going in her memory."

The team, which changes its name and theme each year, has been one of the area's most successful fundraisers.

"We have pretty much had the same core team involved each year," she said.

"We raised a few thousand dollars in each of our first couple of years but then stepped it up and really drove our fundraising efforts.

"We have ended up averaging more than $15,000 a year. One year we raised $27,000."

The team has been the leading Shoalhaven Relay fundraising team on a number of occasions winning the award in Mrs Perkins' honour.

"We always aim to win that award and always make mention of Louise," she said.

"It's such a good cause, we just try and raise as much money as we can."

Each year the group undertakes various fundraising events leading up to the relay which is held towards the end of March.

Over the years there has been a number of different themes, including rock and roll, mardi gras, country and western, horse racing and tea party just to name a few.

Of course, each year they also dress up in their horse theme for the Shoalhaven City Turf Club's Melbourne Cup meeting.

That has included support from leading trainers like Gai Waterhouse and Chris Waller who have provided their famous racing colours for the team, as well as prizes like special tickets to big races days and even a walk through Ms Waterhouse's famous stables.

And at each local race meeting team members can also be found collecting funds.

"Each year we raise about $6000 through collection tins at the races, who have been a great support," she said.

The team's themes also revolve around flowers, following the Cancer Council's famous daffodil logo, and to also acknowledge one of the group's long-time supporters, Flamingo Florist.

"Former owner Peter Phelps was a great support of our team and when he sold the business he insisted that support be continued," she said.

"Unfortunately, we also lost Peter last year to cancer, so it's great the business continues to be a major backer in our efforts."

The team has staged various events over the years, from trivia nights to massive fundraising evenings at the Bomaderry Bowling Club and more recently settling on high tea events.

That tradition continues again this year with a Mad Hatter's Tea Party theme on Saturday, November 24 at Pyree Literary Institute (Pyree Hall) on Greenwell Point Road, Pyree.

Wendy Miller and The Blooms in Wonderland event gets underway from 11.30am. Cost is just $25, with up to eight people to a table.

For more information or to book a table contact Wendy on 0431 308962 or wendy.a.miller@det.nsw.edu.au,

The 2020 Nowra/Shoalhaven Relay for Life will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29 at the Nowra Showground.