THE 2013 annual Relay for Life has been launched.
The 24-hour relay is open to everyone and takes place at the National Sports Centre track, on Saturday, August 24, from midday.
Dot’s Dream Foundation is organising this year’s relay and at the launch, outlined its ambitious aim – to raise £50,000 for Cancer Research UK to add to the £130,000 donated in the island since 2010.
Nicola Pitts said: ‘We want to put Relay For Life on the map and make it into one of the most eagerly anticipated annual community events in the island’s social calendar.’
About 60 people attended the launch at the Crescent, in Douglas, including survivors, new and existing teams and supporters.
There was a presentation by the committee on the reasons the relay is special to them and Celton Manx was announced as the event’s sponsor for the third year.
The campaign is intended not to be a sponsored event but a campaign by teams to fundraise in fun and inspirational ways, culminating in the 24-hour event.
Social, charity, corporate and school teams of all abilities are invited to join the eight teams that have already entered.
Nicola said: ‘Teams just need to register, get fundraising, then turn up on the day and celebrate their achievements.
‘We have motivated our teams to start fundraising early, whether they want to hold a big event, or save their pennies in a collection box, hold a cake sale or dress down day at work for example.
‘The emphasis is on you and your team having fun.’
The relay is over 24 hours to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps.
Survivors – anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis – together with their carers can register for free and are guests of honour.
They set off the event by completing the opening lap.
There will also be a Candle of Hope ceremony, where bags with candles inside are lit up for people to remember their loved ones.
She said: ‘In 2012 around 450 people took part in some way, and we’re hoping for around 500 this year and have exciting plans for family activities, games and entertainment through the whole 24 hours.’
Former Douglas Mayor Dot Pitts entered the relay in its first year, 2010, and Dot’s Dream Foundation entered a team in both 2011 and 2012.
There are more than 6,000 relays world-wide for Cancer Research UK. All the funds raised in the Isle of Man are designated and go directly to cancer research in the areas and centres that treat Isle of Man patients.
Register or donate online at relay.cancerresearchuk.org
Nicola said: ‘Cancer Research UK scientists are at the heart of most of the successes in cancer treatment that our patients benefit from now.
‘One in three people are diagnosed with cancer in their lives, but more and more people survive thanks to research.’
For more details email the committee at relayiom@gmail.com or go to the Relay for Life Isle of Man Facebook page.
