Warm-up begins for special fund-raiser

May 20 2009 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

SUPPORTERS of Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life have started the countdown to the most unique fund-raising event in East Kilbride.

This year’s Relay For Life will take place in the stadium at the John Wright Sports Centre from 7pm on Friday, June 12, until 7pm on Saturday, June 13.

The event brings together the whole community in one location for up to 24 hours to celebrate the lives of those who have survived cancer, remember those who have passed away and honour the courage of their loved ones.

All the money raised by Relay For Life helps to fund Cancer Research UK’s world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and investigate how best to prevent, diagnose and treat different forms of cancer.

As part of the event, teams of people from all sections of the community take turns to walk, run, skip or crawl around a track in a relay following an opening ‘Lap of Honour’ by cancer survivors. Any survivors, local or further afield, are most welcome.

But to make it work and with less than a month to go until the event, the teams participating need everyone’s support by either registering for their teams or going along during the 24 hours .

Relay For Life was inspired 20 years ago when Dr Gordon Klatt ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise funds for the American Cancer Society in honour of his cancer patients.

At least 22 teams from the town will be camping around the running track at the stadium and enjoying the opportunity to celebrate their fund-raising achievements. And when they are not taking their turn relaying, they can take part in a range of fun activities and enjoy the local entertainment provided.

At 10.30pm on the Friday the atmosphere quietens as the Candle of Hope Ceremony - the most poignant part of Relay For Life - begins. Special messages are written on Candle of Hope bags in memory or in celebration of loved ones and these are placed around the track with candles inside them.

John Cardno, who chairs Cancer Research UK's Relay For Life in East Kilbride, said: “Relay For Life is the world’s largest fund-raising event that’s taking place on your doorstep.

“We want to celebrate life and pay tribute to those who have been touched by cancer, but just as equally to remember loved ones who have passed away. There are many different strands to Relay For Life and anyone who can help out in any way is urged to get in touch.

“We are still particularly keen to hear from any local businesses who would like to pledge their support and any work colleagues or groups of friends wanting to support the event and any cancer survivors who would like to join the special Lap of Honour.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life in East Kilbride is urged to contact Ray Porrelli at ray.porrelli@itl-uk.com or telephone 013552 36057