Community / Watch: relay underway as hundreds turn out for Cancer Research fundraiser
It is the first time the relay is taking place during the day, from midday to midnight
THIS year’s Relay for Life has begun, with many hundreds of folk taking part in the Cancer Research UK fundraising event.
It kicked off at the Clickimin running track at midday with the poignant survivors’ lap.
Among those taking part was survivor John Webster.
Reflecting on the experience as he walked along the running track, he said it was a “fantastic feeling really – very emotional”.
“It truly is an amazing event and it’s only events like this that you realise how cancer has hit so many folk within Shetland,” Webster said.
The biennial event is taking a slightly different form compared to previous relays in a bid to make it more accessible.
It is running from midday to midnight instead of the usual 8pm to 8am.
There will be a gala day from 1pm to 5pm, with a host of family-friendly activities open to all.
This includes stalls and games, music and food, as well as visits from the likes of Bookbug and the Inferno dance group.
However organisers say it is too gusty to have the bouncy castles out.
The last relay in 2022 raised more than £130,000 in total for Cancer Research UK.
The event will see people walk around the Clickimin running track for 12 hours, but teams have been fundraising for months prior to the big day.
Members of jarl squads are expected to walk a lap at 2.30pm, while the candle of hope ceremony is due to take place later tonight.
Thankfully it looks as if the rain will hold off during the day.
Since 2006 the Shetland community has raised more than £1.5 million pounds for Cancer Research UK through the relay.
Shetland News will have more photos of the event during the day.
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