KEY POINTS:
Slow and steady - and the odd hearty laugh - will win the race for a group of women who are taking part in the Cancer Society's Relay For Life.
Team Lynne's Angels - Lynne Nicol, Pamela Hogarth, Linley Molt, Julie Meagher, Lynne Giles, Majory Elliot and Mary Ogle - are all at different stages of cancer.
But it will not stop them running in the annual relay to raise money for those affected by the disease.
Team leader Lynne Giles says she encourages all those who have been affected by cancer to come and join the first lap of the relay - dubbed the "Survivor's Lap".
"It's a really good bonding time. You don't know a single soul, but you know exactly who they are because they've been in your space," Mrs Giles said.
"You know what they've been through because it's what you've been through."
The 57-year-old, who has bowel cancer, said the relay has helped bring many families dealing with cancer together, including her own.
"My two daughters and I have been doing it since 2005. When we found out I had cancer, at first it was very traumatic for them. But I only want to be positive - and this brings us together."
About 19,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with the disease every year. The Cancer Society's 24-hour Relay For Life has been running since 2001.
The relay is run in up to 16 areas across the country, including in Auckland's North Shore on February 28 and Pukekohe on March 14.
Teams of up to 10 - including work and family teams - are encouraged to register to run in the relay.
Mrs Giles said: "Before I was diagnosed, I didn't realise the support that was out there for people with cancer. They do so much for people - it's only fitting that we give back."
Those wishing to enter a team can register at: www.relayforlife.org.nz
