Iditarod musher Lance Mackey is set to offer an inspirational message of hope to cancer sufferers at an event this weekend.

The Fairbanks veteran is to appear at the American Cancer Society’s Kickoff party for the Relay for Life campaign in Alaska this Saturday (January 30th 2010) to discuss how he beat a strain of the disease in his throat, according to KTVA.com

Taking place at the Alaska Wild Berry Theatre, the event is aimed at increasing awareness of the disease – and proving anything is possible when it comes to beating it.

Mackey has taken the Last Great Race title for the last three years, despite recovering from the condition.

Organiser of the meeting Beth Rhoden told the news provider: "There are so many adults and youngsters here in the Anchorage area who have been touched by cancer and would jump at the chance to become involved, but are just waiting to be asked. Now, we’re asking."

Mackey is set to take part in the 2010 Iditarod, which begins on March 6th and will cover over 1,000 miles across the freezing plains of Alaska.

He will be going up against the likes of Jeff King and Newton Marshall as he attempts to win his fourth title in a row.