It’s a word that means a countless number of different things for a countless number of people.

It’s a box of chocolates disease, with no defining guide or form. But, tragically, it’s something just about everyone can relate to.

Watching a loved one battle a life-threatening illness is one of the toughest trials a person can face.

For your scribe, it’s was an experience drawn out over five teenaged years.

From the initial confusion surrounding diagnosis, to what seemed like thousands of appointments, a dozen “this is it” moments, and, ultimately, to standing side-by-side with family, as the man who never backed down from a fight finally conceded and drew his last breath.

It’s a journey that reshapes a person and one that puts the fragility of life in perspective.

That’s what makes Relay For Life so special.

It’s a vital money-raising activity, yes, but more importantly it’s an opportunity to band together in the wake of grief, and in celebration of life itself.

The people you meet walking around and around that oval have been in your shoes, as you’ve been in theirs. You cry, laugh and share in a collective experience. With this in mind, and without seeing figures, we would label this year’s event a success.

Eastgrove Park on Saturday night was alight with action.

‘HOPE’ dazzled in the darkness, children laughed as they played and walkers trudged through the night, arm in arm and wrapped in blankets.

Surrounding the track, tents filled to the fence-line. It was a sight to behold.

While cancer itself is unpredictable, the support of a community like ours is not.

Congratulations to all involved in putting on another touching, empowering event.

Regardless of the end tally, it has made a difference.