Are you up for the challenge of taking part in the Pontypool Relay for Life- taking turns to walk around a track at Pontypool Park? It’s a fundraising challenge for Cancer Research UK.
The event starts on Saturday 26 May 2018 at 11am and ends at 11am on Sunday 27 May 2018. Entrants raise money as a team throughout the year as it builds up to 24-hour event where everyone camps out and take turns to walk around a track.
Watch a video of the Pontypool Relay for Life
The special moments at the event
Organisers say there are several special moments that that take place through the 24-hours.
Our VIP guests are our cancer survivors. Each Relay for Life event begins with their Lap of Honour.
A Candle of Hope Ceremony sees the darkness lit up in memory of those we’ve lost and in celebration of those still here.
The sharing of information about Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking science in cancer prevention gives us real hope for the future.
Music, games and fun from local partners get us moving.
A celebratory closing ceremony celebrates our achievements and inspires us all to continue the fight
The event is organised by volunteers
Colin Guest, the Pontypool Relay for Life committee chair, said:
The first two relays were a remarkable success raising £125K for cancer research. Team members take it in turns to walk round a track while everyone else enjoys a wide range of fun activities on offer. There will bands, choirs and singers entertaining the relayers. There is a silent disco to keep relayers going through the night. As Relay For Life is non-stop through the night, those team members not on the track take turns to rest, eat, or sleep in their tents, which are set up close by. Some of the laps have a cancer awareness theme which gives the relayers the opportunity to dress up. As dusk falls, the atmosphere quietens as the Candle of Hope ceremony begins. The event is the most poignant part of Relay For Life when 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 rugby ground.
“Relay For Life is a great way to spend time with your friends, family and colleagues while raising money for a seriously worthwhile cause. Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. Taking part in Relay For Life is a positive way to be part of your local community and help make a real difference. Cancer Research UK wants to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. By taking part in Relay For Life and raising vital funds, people in Torfaen and the surrounding areas can help to accelerate the progress that is being made against this devastating disease. Survivors are invited on Saturday as special guests and we try to make them feel special for the day.
Be a survivor guest of honour
Anyone who has ever heard the words “you have cancer” is invited to join Relay For Life. Survivors lead the festivities by taking part in the Lap of Honour. We encourage survivors to invite a caregiver (someone who has looked after you, held your hand or been a friend during your illness) to join the celebrations too.
Look at photos from the 2017 event
Read this story in the South Wales Argus about the event held in July 2017.
Enter the Pontypool Relay for Life NOW
It’s free to enter. Each team member has a target of £200 (£1,000 per team). Click here to enter your team.
Join the Facebook page
A Facebook has been set up. Click here to join.