Everyone in Dumfries & Galloway, whose life has been touched by cancer is being urged to light a Candle of Hope as part of Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life.
One of the most poignant parts of Relay For Life is the Candle of Hope ceremony and is the culmination of a unique team fundraising challenge.
Candle bags are decorated and dedicated to remembering loved ones lost to cancer, to those living with the disease or to those who have survived – whilst HOPE is spelt out using candle bags lit with tealights.
Teams of eight to 15 family members, friends and colleagues of all ages and levels of fitness fundraise together.
They are then invited to take part in a unique overnight community event at Bladnoch Park near Wigtown on Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 July to celebrate their fundraising achievements.
Anne Barclay, volunteer Chair of Cancer Research UK’s Relay for Life in Dumfries & Galloway, said:
“Relay For Life is a great way to spend time with your family, friends and colleagues. There is a wonderful community spirit at the events and we are united in making a difference to help beat cancer.”
There are relay events happening across the UK this year and each is organised by a dedicated volunteer committee.
Anne, said “Teams, cancer survivors, and their loved ones and volunteers come together to take part in a night-time celebration, showing that together we are stronger than cancer.”
During Relay For Life, team members take it in turns to walk round a track while everyone else enjoys the carnival atmosphere. As the event continues non-stop through the night, team members not on the track rest, eat, or sleep in their tents, which are set up close by.
As dusk falls the specially made Candle of Hope bags, decorated with touching messages – in memory or in celebration of loved ones – are filled with sand and lit up with candles around the track at Bladnoch Park and glow long into the evening.
Each Relay is led by a volunteer committee who work all year round supporting each team’s fundraising and helping to create unforgettable memories.
Today 2 in 4 people diagnosed with cancer survive their disease for at least 10 years. Our ambition is to accelerate this progress to see 3 in 4 patients surviving their cancer by 2034 for at least ten years.
Anne, said: “Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. Taking part in Relay For Life is a positive way to join your local community and make a real difference in the fight against the disease.
“Cancer Research UK doesn’t receive any government funding for its research so every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person.
“The Candle of Hope ceremony is incredibly moving and highlights the real reason everyone joins together for Relay For Life. We believe that together we will beat cancer.”
Anne, said: “Everyone is welcome to join the festivities at Relay For Life and to take part in the Candle of Hope ceremony, which will take place at 11pm on Saturday 1 July.
Anne added: “I will be lighting my own candle in memory of my Nana who sadly passed away from cancer in 2019.”
For more information about Relay For Life and to enter a team, visit cruk.org/relay or call 0300 123 1026
