Beverley Weston (right) and Melanie Clarke at the front of the Pink Sisterhood breast cancer support group in the Shire. Picture by Murray Trembath

Two women with a special bond led the way in the Survivors and Carers lap to start the 25th Sutherland Shire Relay for Life.

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Beverley Weston, who underwent surgery for breast cancer in 2001 and was a team leader in the inaugural event, was accompanied by next-door neighbour Melanie Clarke, wearing a Carer sash.

Maria Black, of Gymea, walks with family members, including grandson Danny, 10. Picture by Murray Trembath

The emotional support between the Heathcote women has not been one-sided, with Beverley helping her friend when Melanie lost her mother to brain cancer and her husband to leukemia.

Thousands of people attended the milestone event at Don Lucas Reserve on the weekend of May 2-3, raising more than $363,000 for Cancer Council NSW research, with the final tally expected to be about $450,000.

Graham and Lynne Cole, of Engadine. Graham, who has been battling prostate cancer since 2011, has to use a walker, but still completed the Survivors and Carers lap. Picture by Murray Trembath

A feature was the presence of so many young people, with numerous schools represented.

Relay For Life began in the USA in 1985 when colorectal surgeon, Dr Gordy Klatt raised awareness of cancer and funds for a local cancer charity by walking for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington.

Young cancer survivors at the 25th Sutherland Shire Relay for Life. Picture by Murray Trembath

Relay began in Australia in 1999 and has become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world.

About 300 people took part in the first Relay in the Shire at the Sylvania Waters Athletics Track. The event later moved to Wanda.

About 6000 people were expected to participate this year, including about 100 teams and many individual walkers.

Last year, the event raised $400,000.