Eryn Walton is recovering from blood cancer, at the age of 28. 

It has been five years since she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.

She is now well enough to resume her studies, and is studying hairdressing. 

But her mother, Shirley Walton, said there were several occasions when the family feared they would lose Eryn.

“We are so very blessed to still have her with us,” Mrs Walton said. 

The pair are co-organising Bendigo’s second Light the Night event.

More than 660 people attended the city’s inaugural fundraising walk last year, which raised more than $14,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation. 

Money raised by Light the Night events nationwide helps support families living with blood cancer, and funds research. 

“For me, it’s a way to pay it forward,” Miss Walton said. 

“The foundation helped us out tremendously when I was going through it.”

This year’s walk is on Friday, October 7, at Lake Weeroona. 

Registrations open at 4.30pm, ahead of the walk at 7.20pm. 

Each of the coloured lanterns participants hold has a meaning.

Walkers bearing gold lanterns are remembering a loved one. 

White lanterns, like the one Eryn holds in the picture, are for people who have been on their own blood cancer journey.

Blue lanterns are for supporters. 

Mrs Walton called for donations prior to the walk.

“Every $100 we raise will cover the costs of giving one family immediate emotional support after the shock of diagnosis, and one hour of life-changing blood cancer research,” she wrote on her fundraising page.

Someone in Australia loses their life to a blood cancer every two hours.

For more information about the walk or to register, click here.