Umbrellas Replace Batons at This Year’s Relay for Life.
| Published: 6th July 2008 22:23 |
The torrential rain may have put back the start of the second annual Cancer Research UK Relay for Life to be held in Rossendale, but it did little to dampen the spirits of those taking part.
In all, 19 teams braved the elements to raise money for Cancer Research UK at the fundraising event held at Marl Pits on 5th and 6th July, and spirits were certainly high.
The event itself was the culmination of many months of fundraising on behalf of the teams, with money being raised through activities such as Asda bag packs, quiz nights, raffle ticket sales, sales of Candles of Hope and general donations.
Originally planned to start at 11.00am, the event got underway at 12.00noon and was opened with moving speeches by Steven Farr, Chairman of Relay for Life Rossendale and the Mayor of Rossendale Christine Gill, herself a cancer survivor who sadly lost her husband Deputy Mayor of Rossendale, Peter Gill to the disease.
The Mayor of Rossendale, Christine Gill, and Relay for Life Rossendale Chairman Steven Farr open Relay for Life Rossendale 2008
Then the first walkers of the day took to the track. The honour of starting the relay fell to local people who have survived cancer and notable participants included the Mayor of Rossendale Christine Gill and inspirational four-year-old Millie o'Shea. Their steps were accompanied by the sound of applause from team members and other spectators who had come along to offer their support.
Survivors' lap of honour
The teams take to the track From there it was up to the teams to ensure that at least one member of the team would be on the track at all times for the next 24 hours. At that stage, little did the teams know that they would experience torrential rain, thunder, blustery winds and warmth! The teams came onto the track in various guises, from cowboys to Sumo Wrestlers. People made their way round the track in any way they liked, with some taking to space hoppers and stilts to make the journey.
Getting into the swing of things!The atmosphere was lively, with live music, face painting, fun stalls and cakes and drinks being sold to raise money for this worthy cause. Sadly, a number of stalls had been destroyed during the high winds of the previous evening, meaning that fewer than expected were available. But that didn't stop teams and supporters enjoying the live music and party atmosphere.
At 10.00pm, the Relay came to a standstill for the emotional ‘Candle of Hope' ceremony. In the run up to the event, and on the day itself, people had the opportunity to offer a donation in return for a Candle of Hope which they could dedicate to loved ones who'd either lost their battle with this terrible disease, were in the process of receiving treatment, or had fought their battle and triumphed.
A speech by Steven Farr spoke of advances made in the prevention of certain cancers and this was followed by a heartfelt reading, which spoke of the hope that, one day, a cure for cancer would be found.
Candles of Hope light the way
Following this, all members of the teams walked around the track to read the messages on around 400 candles of hope, which by this stage were lit, and would continue to light the way for those walking during the hours of darkness. Much care and effort had been taken with the messages on the candles bags, and many were beautifully designed to honour the person to whom they were dedicated.
Daylight saw participants continue to walk around the, by now extremely muddy, track, and the music re-commence.
Finally, a large number of rather tired-looking team members gathered around the stage for the closing ceremony, during which Steven Farr thanked the committee and the teams for their commitment to the event and announced the amount that had been raised at the second Cancer Research UK Relay for Life to be held in Rossendale...
...It was with a great deal of pride that Steven announced that the total raised so far is an impressive £25,000!!!
This is a fantastic achievement of which everyone involved in Relay for Life Rossendale can feel satisfied.
Proud cancer survivor Sue Degg displays the Survivors' flag
The final total will be announced in September when a cheque will be presented to Cancer Research UK.
Watch this space!!!
AboutMyArea (BB4 & BL0) would like to thank all members of the BB4US team for responding to the call for a team to be formed through this website. See you again next year!
Thanks also to those businesses that have supported the team in its fundraising efforts, whether by donations or the provision of raffle prizes. A full list of prizes donated and the businesses offering support can be viewed by clicking here.
Finally thanks to everyone who donated funds to this worthy cause and supported our activities. The amount raised by BB4US currently stands at £2,290!
Community Comment:
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Joined: 11 Jun 2008Posts: 12
Please oh please can we all get the chance to join in the next time round....
Posts: 4Rosamund - watch this space... Around January next year I'll be asking for volunteers for next year's team. It'd be great to have you on board.
Christine
Site Editor
Posts: 60