Relay For Life fundraising ‘inspirational’
OVER £183,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK at this year’s Relay For Life event in Lerwick.
The charity’s fundraising manager for Scotland Louise Robertson hailed the figure as “utterly inspirational”.
The total amount of money raised by the bi-annual event since it started in Shetland in 2006 is now £1,138,553.
The figures were confirmed at an event in Lerwick on Wednesday night held as a thank you to those who participated in the event at the town’s Gilbertson Park in late May.
Robertson said: “The Shetland Relay community have made a huge contribution to Cancer Research UK’s work over the past ten years and we are incredibly grateful for their support.
“Thanks to our work and your support, we have been instrumental in discovering and developing newer, kinder treatments and helping double survival rates in just 40 years.
“This year’s total is again utterly inspirational, Thank you all on behalf of CRUK but more importantly thank you on behalf of cancer patients’ right across the UK who will benefit from your amazing support.”
Shetland’s Relay For Life chairman Martin Henderson praised the 1,300 people who took part and the community for donating generously to the cause.
Over £127,000 was raised by the end of the relay, with the rest coming via donations after the event. The final figure came to £183,971.97.
“It was a fantastic effort from all involved; the teams, the businesses and volunteers,” Henderson said.
“The event would not be possible without their support. Huge thanks must go to the fantastic committee for their sheer hard work and determination in making the event so successful.”
A trophy in memory of the late Alan Slater, who was previously on the committee, was given to the Hillend Ramblers in recognition of being the team which raised the most money.
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This year’s Relay For Life was held at Lerwick’s Gilbertson Park for the first time due to ongoing construction work on the new Anderson High School, which is next to the usual Clickimin running track venue.
The event saw teams walking around the park in a circuit from the evening through to the morning.
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