CANCER patients and survivors will perform an opening lap of honour at a Huddersfield charity event.
The Relay For Life, at Leeds Road Athletic Arena, invites teams to raise cash for Cancer Research UK by walking, running, skipping or crawling around the site’s running track.
The aim is to keep at least one member of each team on the track throughout the 24-hour event.
The event, starting at 12pm on May 16, is one of many Relays For Life to be staged around the country between May and September.
They are in conjunction with the Race For Life events, which take place in Huddersfield in June.
The Relay For Life includes a Candle of Hope ceremony where friends and relatives of cancer victims can remember loved ones by lighting candles as night falls.
The relay is looking for more teams – and cancer patients and survivors – to enter and raise money for Cancer Research which funds research into the disease.
So far 11 teams averaging eight people have signed up.
Natalie Johansson, Relay For Life development executive, said: “The Huddersfield committee want to celebrate life and pay tribute to those who have coped with cancer.
“But just as importantly, we want to remember loved ones who have passed away.
“There are many different strands to Relay For Life and anyone who can help with advice or support will be valued.
“This is the first event of its kind in Huddersfield and volunteers are needed to organise and recruit teams.
“The relay truly is an amazing event and your support of this event could really make a difference.”
The organisers have urged people to come forward.
Natalie said: “You can volunteer for our organising committee, enter a team or make a donation to dedicate a Candle of Hope to a loved one.
“If you are a cancer survivor then come and join us for the very first lap and be one of our VIP’s.
“Or just turn up on the day for lots of family fun and entertainment. There is music, laughter and fun but there is also poignancy and everyone who joins in will take away something special.”
For information on the Huddersfield Relay For Life visit:www.cancerresearchuk.org/relay/venues/huddersfield/ or call Huddersfield event chairman Julie Crowther: 07917 153346.
The Race For Life is planned for the weekend of June 27 and 28.
There are three races taking place in Huddersfield and already more than 2,500 people have signed up.
Organisers hope 6,000 will take part in the fundraising events.
