Virtual Relay for Life a ‘stunning success’

THE SHETLAND Relay for Life committee has described the first ever virtual relay as a “stunning success” which they are hopeful will raise a “significant amount” of funds for Cancer Research.

The event was forced online as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, with an in-person event now scheduled for 28 May 2022, and the committee has thanked all those who supported the event.

Like many charities Cancer Research UK has seen its income decimated by the pandemic, resulting in the lifesaving research it conducts being pushed back “by a decade or more”.

The committee said the relay gave folk the opportunity to “come together to celebrate our survivors and remember those who are no longer with us”.

Fundraising this year included teas in a box, a survivors video and teams undertaking various challenges in “gorgeous signing”, while the online candle of hope ceremony was “particularly poignant” with nearly 200 photos from around Shetland uploaded to the event page.

Shetland Relay for Life chairman Martin Henderson said: “As the committee was planning this year’s virtual relay we had no real idea how it would go.

“To say we have been blown away by the support and engagement is an understatement. All the teams have until the end of July to let us know their fundraising total and we are hopeful that we will raise a significant amount.”

Saturday also saw the draw for the winner of the Living Lerwick window-displayed children’s trail, with a voucher for Harry’s going to Liam Moore.

Donations can still be made either by contacting the committee directly or through the Relay for Life Facebook page.