Yellowknife (Jun 09/06) - Emotions were high as 221 people walked through the night this past weekend in the third annual Relay for Life.

In all, 24 teams of walkers took part, supported by 25 cancer survivors and more than 40 volunteers. According to organizer Gisele Forget, the event raised more than $57,000 this year.

"One of the most impressive moments I had when I walked around the track was seeing people really happy and excited about being there and crying for their loved ones," said Forget.

That's what made participation special, said some of the walkers.

"I'm here because my mother died of lung cancer," said Gail Morse, a member of the Mad Hatters team. "I'm wearing her scarf."

John McLean's life has been brushed twice by cancer.

"My wife survived cancer (Ruth McLean) - and my favourite cousin died of cancer when he was 47," he said. "We were brought up together. My mother had breast cancer."

Dr. John Morse said he has treated many of the cancer survivors who took part in the relay, but he had a more personal reason to take part.

"Probably the real reason is because my sister died when she was five from brain cancer. I was six at the time," he said. "It affected me to the core and I have always carried it with me. It inspired me to become a physician later in life."

Forget said although there were fewer teams involved in the relay this year, it's become well-established on the charity landscape.

"What's nice about this year is we have more corporate support and two medical teams.

"The Relay for Life is here in Yellowknife and it's going to grow."

Participant Charlene Kippenhuck took part in a relay in Goose Bay, Labrador, before coming to Yellowknife and said it helps bring people together.

"I wanted to do it here because it was a good cause. It is good to get together and get to know each other."