TONIGHT, hundreds of people will converge on Horsham's Coughlin Park for the Horsham and District Relay for Life.
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The people who will come together participate for a variety of reasons.
For many, it is a chance to reflect and remember loved ones they have lost to cancer.
For others, it is a celebration of survival.
Others relay for an opportunity to give back and support their community, and to raise awareness and money to find a cure.
Regardless of the reason for relaying, it is impossible to escape the overwhelming sense of togetherness and community spirit this event brings.
A record number of teams have signed up this year and we will wait to find out if the money raised also sets another record.
Months of preparation and planning go into the relay and the committee should be congratulated for its hard work.
Despite the sombre nature of the reason why everyone is together, there is a big emphasis on participation and enjoyment, with many activities and games throughout the event.
This is the second year the Wimmera Mail-Times has participated as a team, and one of the most rewarding aspects of our involvement has been the sharing of stories.
As journalists, we feel privileged that people have shared their private struggles and triumphs with us and trusted us to tell their stories to the wider public.
We hope all those involved tonight take something from the experience, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating, remembering and fighting back.
Carly Werner and Sarah Scully