A RALLYING call has gone out to Evesham residents to show their support for this year’s Relay for Life which will see cancer survivors and those affected by the illness put their best foot forward at the De Montfort School.
The 2018 event will be held at the school on Four Pools Road tomorrow (Saturday) and into Sunday with organisers hoping the smash through the £750,000 barrier with this year’s walk.
Over the last decade, the popular town event has raised an incredible £731,518 for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and organisers hope this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.
And the countdown to the big day began last weekend when Team Tesco turned the Evesham store Purple for CRUK and raised £929.12 towards their fund-raising for Relay for Life.
Customers bought raffle tickets, flowers and books and decorated and dedicated Candle of Hope bags and donations.
Team Tesco along with other teams, survivors, carers and volunteers are coming together to take part in a 24-hour event from 10am Saturday until 10am on Sunday to celebrate their fund-raising achievements in an event filled with family fun.
Volunteer Event Chair, Paul Baylis told the Observer: “We cannot organise the event without the incredible work of our volunteers. I can’t thank all those who have donated or given up their time make this amazing total possible.
“At the Relay event there are special moments that bring everyone together.
“Our VIP guests are our cancer survivors with a lap of honour to start the event.
“The Candle of Hope ceremony at 8.30pm sees the darkness lit up in memory of those we’ve lost and in celebration of those still with us.
“We encourage anyone who has ever heard the words ‘you have cancer’ to invite someone who has looked after them, held their hand or been a friend during the illness to join the celebrations, too.
“Bring together 8-15 friends, family or colleagues. Get the kids involved. Set a team goal and lead your team to fund-raising success. At the Relay For Life event you’ll lead from the front as your team proves that together we’re stronger than cancer,” Paul told the Observer.
Music, games and fun laps, fun at the beach are all on offer as well as awareness sessions before the celebratory closing ceremony to inspire everyone to continue the fight against cancer and mark the achievement of those who have walked all night.
Entrance is free for visitors who are invited to buy burgers, hot dogs and refreshments and take part in some of the fun activities being put on by the different teams to raise even more funds.
Visit www.eveshamrelay.org for more.
