Relay for Life at Pairc Charman this weekend
THE hugely popular Relay for Life Wexford returns to Pairc Charman this weekend, through Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30.
The family-friendly weekend is a 24-hour event that brings the whole community together to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors, to remember those lost to the disease and raise money to fund the vital research and services of the Irish Cancer Society.
The event starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday with an opening Ceremony followed by the ‘Survivor’s Lap’ featuring those who have survived and are surviving cancer.
Once the Relay has kicked off there will be live entertainment onstage and lots of activities for children and adults alike.
The opening ceremony will be followed by a performance of the Bloco Garman Samba drummers. There will also be appearances by Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Giggles the Clown and the Stormtroopers who will be happy to meet people and pose for photographs.
One of the highlights takes place at sundown on Saturday evening when those attending honour loved ones during the Candle of Hope Ceremony, during which candle bags are placed around the walking track at Pairc Charman and then kept lighting throughout the night.
The entertainment continues throughout Sunday morning and draws to a close with the High Hopes Choir onstage at 1 p.m. The closing ceremony takes place at 2 p.m.
You don’t have to be a survivor or be part of a team to experience Relay for Life. Admission is free and everyone in the community is encouraged to attend.
Many activities will be available for the whole family to enjoy, including live music, games, competitions, face painting and much more. A selection of food and beverages will also be available for puchase.
This year’s Relay For Life has already had a funding boost from Pettitt’s SuperValu in St Aidan’s who donated €2,125 as sponsors.
Manager Nicky Byrne said the supermarked had previously helped the event in a small way, but this year wanted to go a step further as main sponsor.
The money will be used for the survivors’ marquee and lunch where they will treated to a meal and some light refreshments after they complete their lap of Pairc Charman.
‘It is a chance for the survivors to chat to one another. It is kind of like a support network for them,’ said committee member Gay Murphy.
For more information on the event, visit the Relay for Life Wexford facebook page or www. cancer.ie/relayforlife.