Orange police are rallying behind their fellow workmate, Senior Constable Brett Sammut and his family for the Relay For Life this weekend.

Brett’s wife Francine is recovering after having an operation to remove an aggressive form of breast cancer 13 days ago.

The 39-year-old mother of two continues to have medical checks to ensure the cancer hasn’t spread throughout her body, and will undergo radiotherapy treatment in Sydney and chemotherapy in Orange in the future.

“It’s been a tough time for us, but we’re trying to be up-beat. You’ve got to be,” Brett said.

“But she’s a fighter. She’s very brave.”

Brett’s work colleagues and their families are marching in the Relay For Life today and tomorrow in salute to the Sammut family, as part of their relay team Bluesteel.

Bluesteel was planning to participate before Francine was diagnosed with cancer, but Brett said this drastic turn in events meant his work colleagues took the opportunity to help.

“Everyone at work has been so good. I’ve been able to get time off to look after the kids, and while I’ve been off they’ve been arranging everything for this weekend for me,” he said.

Brett will also be shaving his head on Sunday at 8am to raise money for cancer research and awareness, and also as a personal pledge of support to his wife.

“I’m going down to the skin. It’s only hair, and my wife will be going through the same thing soon anyway,” Brett said.

The Relay For Life will take place at Endeavour Oval.

All funds raised by Relay For Life help The Cancer Council fund research and provide support services such as the Cancer Council helpline and information packs which GPs give to patients when they’re diagnosed with cancer.