All-night runners raise incredible £68,447 for cancer research

HUNDREDS of determined fundraisers stayed awake all night for a life-saving “Relay For Life” event in Victoria Park, Warrington raising an incredible £68, 447.
A total of 27 teams, kept one member on the track at all times for the community’s first ever Relay For Life, raising money for Cancer Research UK.
Relay For Life is a team fundraising challenge bringing communities together to beat cancer. Teams of family and friends fundraise for life-saving cancer research, then join other teams and survivors to celebrate their fundraising in an overnight event, taking turns to walk around a track.  Fancy dress laps and live performances added to the carnival atmosphere  and local resident, Chris Lee who is running 5k a day for CRUK joined Relayers to complete his run for that day on the track.
There were many poignant moments over the weekend, including the Candle of Hope ceremony to remember lost loved ones or those who have survived cancer. And 22 cancer survivors began the festivities with a Survivors’ Lap of Honour, for those who have been affected by the disease before being treated to a wonderful afternoon tea provided by Spirit Restaurant.
Meg Elliot, volunteer chairman of Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life in Warrington, said: “I first heard of Relay in the Summer of 2016 when my best friend Jennifer put a team in to her local Relay on the beautiful island of Jersey.
“ I’d just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and Jennifer – feeling helpless and a distance away – decided to gather a group of her Zumba ladies, and do something positive to fundraise for Cancer Research UK.  Their Relay weekend that year coincided with my first session of chemotherapy, and Jennifer suggested that once my treatment was over, I could join them the following year … so in 2017 that’s what I did!
“When I discovered there wasn’t a Relay in my area, I decided I needed to make one happen, but I couldn’t do it on my own… By September 2018, we had a committee, and our big and wonderful adventure began!
“We had an absolute blast with over 400 wonderful people taking part.  We walked and talked, we laughed and we cried.  Strangers became friends and together we raised a staggering £68,447!
“We want to say a huge thankyou  to everyone who helped. Here’s to 2020 Warrington!”
Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.