Relay for Life run packs a punch

Perth event hopes to raise £25,000 for Cancer Research

Perth Relay for Life participants limber up for this year’s event at the North Inch. It is hoped about £25,000 will be raised for Cancer Research UK after 110 people took part. Coverage on pages 4&5.

A 24-hour event in Perth at the weekend saw more than 100 people taking part to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Relay For Life began at noon on Saturday on the North Inch and finished at noon yesterday, with the event aiming to raise around £25,000.

After the opening ceremony, members of the 15 teams – each consisting of between eight and 15 people – got started. With the relay being non-stop through the night, those team members not on the track took turns to rest, eat, or slept in nearby tents.

Scott Jewell, volunteer chairman of Relay For Life in Perthshire, said: “It was a great day – everyone who took part enjoyed it. We had women, men and children involved, a real family occasion, and the weather was great, which helped.

“Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life is about being part of a community united in the belief that together we are stronger than cancer and we can make a stand against the disease.

“It is a unique event with a celebratory atmosphere. It’s a day of hope and remembrance and a time when people can see that their efforts have really helped to make a difference.”

A total of 110 people took part in Relay for Life. The highlight of the event was the Candle of Hope ceremony, which took place on Saturday.

Perthshire cancer survivors opened the event when they took part in an emotional Lap of Honour.

Relay For Life is an annual event that began in America and is now believed to be the largest cancer fundraiser worldwide, held in 25 countries.

Last year more than 500,000 people worldwide took part, raising more than $5 billion.

It was a great day – everyone who took part enjoyed it. We had women, men and children involved, a real family occasion ...

SCOTT JEWELL

Picture: Kris Miller.