Hundreds of fundraisers hit the Clickimin running track as Relay for Life kicks off
Relay for Life Shetland chair Kerry Llewellyn said it is ‘brilliant to see so many folk out’
THIS YEAR ’s Relay For Life is well underway, with teams of walkers hitting the Clickimin running track to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The relay – which first began in Lerwick 20 years ago – kicked off at midday with the usual survivors’ lap, which is a moving moment of celebration and reflection.
After that the relay teams began walking the Clickimin running track, which will continue through to midnight.
Also walking the track at the beginning were a handful of jarl squads and the Bigton samba band.
Relay for Life Shetland chair Kerry Llewellyn said there are 29 teams taking part, with around 600 people registered in total.
“It’s brilliant numbers that we’ve got this year,” she said.
“The number of teams is about the same [as the last relay in 2024] but numbers registered is up on last time.”
There will also be live music on through the day, while the candle of hope ceremony is scheduled for 10pm.
There is also a family-friendly gala day taking place from 1pm to 5pm, offering activities such as games, food, tea and stalls, while folk can also get a look at a fire engine.
The inspiring community event gives an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones and raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Speaking at the event after the first lap kicked off, Llewellyn said the event is something which always brings the community together.
“It’s just brilliant to see so many folk out, the jarl squads, the samba band – it’s such a good feeling in the air, and watching the survivors do their lap was very emotional as well,” she said.
The relay takes place every two years, and the fundraising total for the 2024 event reached more than £200,000.
Llewellyn said the total raised by the community since the first Shetland Relay of Life event in 2006 is more than £1.6 million.
The relay used to run overnight but the decision was made in more recent years to hold it between 12pm and midnight in a bid to make the event more accessible.
Shetland News will publish more photos from the relay later on.
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