Relay for Life raises £110k as event closes in on £2m milestone
SHETLAND’S Relay for Life event has raised over £110,000 for Cancer Research UK this year.
The total was revealed at a thank you event in Lerwick’s Sound Hall on Saturday night, which brought together team members, sponsors, volunteers and supporters.
The new figure brings the total amount raised by Relay for Life events in Shetland to just under £2 million – with the hope to hit that milestone by raising almost £90,000 by the end of the next relay, in 2028.
The £2 million target has particular significance for the committee because it was a longstanding ambition of Olive Macleod – who was a former committee member and dedicated supporter.
She sadly died from cancer following this year’s Relay for Life event.
Relay for Life Shetland chairwoman Kerry Llewellyn said hitting the £2m goal was something Olive “always wanted for Shetland”.
“We hope to achieve it in her memory,” she said.
“We encourage teams to stay active and keep coming up with fundraising ideas – it is never too early to start.”
All money raised supports Cancer Research UK’s work to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and Llewellyn said it was a “tremendous achievement” to raise more than £110,000 this year.
“I am hugely grateful to everyone who has contributed and to the volunteer committee whose hard work makes Relay possible,” she added.
The committee offered particular thanks to main sponsor Cooke Aquaculture for its support, as well as to all the other Shetland businesses that sponsored the event, donated funds, goods or services, or provided practical support.
Saturday also saw the presentation of three trophies recognising outstanding contributions towards Relay for Life 2026.
The Hughson trophy for the highest fundraising individual went to first-time participant Nigel Clark, who raised £2,235.56.
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The trophy was donated by Olive Macleod and Kay Pearson in memory of their mother, with Olive’s grandchildren Ruby, Archie and Ruaraidh Urquhart presenting the trophy at the event.
The Alan Slater trophy for the highest fundraising team was awarded to the longstanding Skuvaganers team, who raised £7,130.97.
Kathleen Slater presented the trophy, which was donated in memory of her husband Alan, a former committee member.
The John Gair trophy, recognising enthusiasm and going the extra mile for Relay, went to Macy Russell.
She raised £1,000 by running every Bressay parkrun in May, showing determination to improve her personal best each week.
The committee is now appealing for new members to help organise future events and support fundraising over the next two years.
Llewellyn added: “Relay simply cannot happen without volunteers willing to help plan and deliver it.
“We would love to welcome new committee members, whether they have been involved in Relay before or are completely new to it. Anyone interested can get in touch for an informal chat.”
Potential committee members are invited to email shetlandrelaychair@yahoo.co.uk
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