More than 1200 people in 72 teams are walking, running and laughing their way around the Northern Athletics Centre track at St Leonards to raise money for the Cancer Council.

A wide range of ages, from young children to great grandparents lapped the track, in spite of the pouring rain, and were in high spirits on Saturday.

Relay For Life is an important fundraiser for the Cancer Council and an event for people to remember loved ones who have died.

But it’s also a great show of strength, community and support.

In the face of the ugliness of cancer, it’s a time for people to come together and show strength in numbers, strength in having fun, and strength in moving – rain, hail or shine.

The Relay For Life can be a bit of a 20-hour emotional rollercoaster for many people, who are still struggling with the loss of a loved one, or loved ones.

But the feeling of camaraderie that is experienced over the two days, not just from your own family, friends and team, but from the entire crowd of participants, can be hugely uplifting.

Stories like little Saffron McPhane’s go to the heart of the Relay For Life and what it represents.

At age three, the Norwood girl decided, instead of a birthday party, she wanted to participate in the relay to help cure people with “sick blood”.

Her grandfather died of cancer, and her 11-year-old cousin is a cancer survivor.

Saffron has continued a tradition of participating in the relay every second year since she turned four, instead of having a birthday party.

There are countless other stories of children taking the initiative to raise funds, and adults who are participating in their 10th, 15th or 20th relay.

Cancer Australia estimates 138,321 people nationwide will be diagnosed with cancer in 2018, and this year, 48,586 people will die from cancer.

Relay For Life raises vital funds for the Cancer Council's research, prevention and support services.

To everyone who is at St Leonards this weekend, thank you for facing the cold, rainy weather for an incredibly important cause.