Organisers expect the final tally will be much higher, but speaking at the relay’s conclusion at South Circle on Sunday morning, Forbes Relay for Life Chairman, Graham Williams, said the fundraising had already eclipsed the previous four relays, held between 2003 and 2007.

The committee and the Cancer Council Western Regional Office expect to know the final tally in the next fortnight, when each of the 74 teams deposit funds and return receipt books.

But Mr Williams said the weekend’s relay takes the overall total past $180,000 since 2003.

“I was just overwhelmed by the support we got,” he said yesterday morning.

“It was by far the best [relay] yet both in terms of participants and funds raised,” he said.

“It exceeded all expectations and I think everyone involved on the committee was just wrapped with how well it went.

“Forbes has outshone themselves,” he said.

Mr Williams said the effort also greatly impressed the Cancer Council’s NSW Relay Coordinator, Megan Hill, on her first visit to the Forbes Relay.

The relay got underway shortly before 3pm on Saturday with cancer survivors and carers invited to walk the first lap of South Circle.

As these participants enjoyed an afternoon tea the rest of the field braved mid-summer like conditions to walk the circuit around Lake Forbes.

A touching Candlelight Ceremony of Hope started just after dusk, featuring several speeches and a performance by the Forbes Shire Choir, among others.

While some found the heat too much and relaxed at campsites, a brave few walked through the night, including local retired farmer, Ray Sanderson.

The walk continued until 10am on Sunday, when the ‘Fight Back’ Ceremony was held, featuring the release of hundreds of helium-filled balloons.

Mr Williams praised the Forbes community and the event’s many sponsors and supporters.

“We were just astounded with how well it went,” he said.

Mr Williams said he intends to pass the chairperson’s baton to Wendy Ambachtsheer for the next relay in 2011, but plans to remain on the committee.

A relay debrief meeting will be held in the next few weeks. In the meantime, he reminded team captains to bank their proceeds and return receipt books, used or unused, to the Cancer Council of NSW.