The 2017 relay raised more than $375,000, a truly phenomenal effort.

But as significant an amount of money this is for research into cancer, what is truly astounding is the number of people who take part.

About 2400 people turned out for last year’s Relay for Life, though in many ways that isn’t so remarkable.

After all, cancer is something that touches us all, whether it’s your own diagnosis, others in your family or friends.

We can all relate so given the enormous impact cancer can have on our lives, the Relay for Life is also the perfect vehicle to honour loved ones who have gone through the cancer experience.

What is so remarkable about the event though is that while there are tears, especially during the candlelight vigil, so much of the remembering is done with a spring in the step and a smile on the face.

It is truly an event in which the community comes together with great joy, shared purpose and support.

The 2018 event is now just three months away and with that, the official launch took place on Saturday, with the synonymous purple and yellow popping-up at eight sites in Albury-Wodonga.

Given we are now in the midst of winter it was certainly heartening to be able to look forward to the promise of spring, which is when this most optimistic of events takes place.

That sense of even better times ahead for the relay certainly was reflected in comments made by Cancer Council’s Brianna Carracher. “This year,” she said, “it’s going to be bigger and better.”

As Ms Carracher pointed out, the Border community has become very engaged with the event, which no doubt would add credence to the heightened expectations for October 27 to 28.

Border Relay for Life has raised $2.5 million since 2002, a tremendous result, and we would urge all to think about getting involved to make the event an even greater success.