Relay for Life raises more than £100,000 so far

MORE than £100,000 has been raised so far for Cancer Research UK by the 2026 Relay for Life.

Hundreds of people from across Shetland came together at Clickimin yesterday (Saturday) for a day of celebration, remembrance and fundraising.

The total raised was £103,835.73, but a final figure will be released in September once all fundraising activities have been accounted for.

Teams of family members, friends, colleagues and community groups gathered at the track from midday, taking turns to walk throughout the 12-hour event and demonstrating the community spirit that has made Shetland’s Relay one of the most successful in Scotland.

The event began with the traditional survivors’ lap, where people living with and beyond cancer were recognised as guests of honour and received a warm welcome from supporters lining the track. They were joined by jarl squads from across Shetland and the local samba band.

Throughout the day, participants and visitors enjoyed a programme of live music, entertainment, games, stalls and family activities.

As evening fell, attention turned to the relay’s most poignant moment, the Candle of Hope ceremony, which offered an opportunity for the community to remember loved ones lost to cancer, celebrate survivors and stand alongside those currently facing the disease.

Relay For Life Shetland chair Kerry Llewellyn said: “Relay For Life is about the incredible power of community coming together to make breakthroughs happen. Today we have seen people from every part of Shetland unite to celebrate, remember and support one another while raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

“Every person who walked a lap, volunteered, donated, performed or simply came along to show their support has helped make a difference.”

Since the first Shetland Relay in 2006, the event has raised more than £1.8 million for Cancer Research UK.

In pictures: Relay for Life