Roy Joy Riders is preparing for its eighth consecutive year in the Border Relay For Life, which takes place at Birallee Park, Wodonga, on October 27 and 28.

The team began in 2011 in memory of Joyce Stratton, who died of ovarian cancer in June 2005, and Roy Ridoutt, who died in October 2004 as a result of Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.

With Roy and Joy, plus Roy’s love of bikes, a group name soon became apparent while the Enchanted Garden campsite taps into Joyce’s fondness for her garden.

“Each year we cut fresh roses from Joyce’s garden and they are incorporated into our campsite theme setup,” team member Rebecca Snow said.

“One of Roy’s grandsons, Mathew Ridoutt, has built a Harley Davidson in honour of his Pop Roy, so that has been incorporated into our campsite theme too; it is on display each year.”

To date 118 teams have entered the 2018 Cancer Council fundraiser, with more than 1100 participants raising nearly $135,000 towards the target of $375,000.

Over the years Roy Joy Riders has held raffles, a winery bus tour, casino night, barbecues, beer, wine and cheese night, selling chocolates, floating balloons, relish and various other fundraising on the day each year.

The team averages 15 to 20 family members and friends each year, aged from children to adults in their 60s and representing three generations of the Stratton and Ridoutt families.

Most live in Albury-Wodonga but some travel to attend, for example from Deniliquin in previous years.

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“We love the concept that we can remember a loved one who lost the battle and we love the community spirit of the event,” Mrs Snow said.

“In our first year we won the Best Decorated Campsite, which we were extremely thrilled about and in our second year we won the Best Decorated Bra and Undie comp, which was a lot of fun.”

Since Roy Joy Riders formed, some team members have experienced further losses through cancer and there remain ongoing battles against the disease.

Mrs Snow said this just highlighted the importance of raising money for the Cancer Council to fight back.

“It makes us extremely proud that we have assisted in building the new Albury-Wodonga cancer centre and providing resources for people who need the support,” she said.

To register a team for Border Relay For Life or to donate, visit relayforlife.com.au/Border