After the Ruse woman's 65th birthday in January this year, she was told the cancer was back, this time under her right arm.

``God is my rock and whatever he has destined for me, I'll be ready,'' she said.

For the past three years her daughter, Sharon Galway, of Mount Annan, has rounded up a team for the 24-Hour Fight Against Cancer.

She said this year she had more than 30 people in her Long Way to Galway Team to support patients like her mum, who attend Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre.

``The big thing for me is that the money stays local and I am all for money staying in the Macarthur area,'' she said. ``Our team stays overnight but I tell everyone that you can stay for 24 minutes or 24 hours. It doesn't matter, it's just about getting behind the cause.''

Camden and Campbelltown's Teachers Association of the NSW Teachers Federation are supporting public school staff's involvement. The federation has already pledged $500 to the cause. Mrs Galway said her team consisted of family, colleagues and friends.

Mrs Long is expected to take part in the walk again this year.

The 24-Hour Fight Against Cancer event will be held at Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah, from 10am on October 17, to 10am on October 18.

Team registrations or donations: Fred Borg 0418411232 or visit 24hrfight.org.au.