The 2015 Relay For Life Isle of Man has raised ?123,694.26.

Sponsored for the fifth year in succession by Celton Manx the overnight community event at the National Sports Centre in late August in aid of Cancer Research UK attracted 58 teams and more than 900 people, placing the Isle of Man at the top of the leader board out of 44 Relays held across the British Isles in terms of participants registered (764), the most survivors (94) and the most money raised.

At a reception to reveal the grand total and recognise all those who supported the event Nicola Walkingshaw, who chaired the organising committee, said: ‘This amazing sum of more than ?123,000 means we totally smashed our ?85,000 target and that the Relay has raised more than ?370,000 for Cancer Research UK since it began in the Island six years ago.

‘All of this is down to the consistently generous support of our lead sponsor Celton Manx, the dedication and hard work of our fantastic committee and volunteers and the people of the Isle of Man who have been with us from day one and helped to make the Relay an event which has captured the hearts and minds of the Manx community.

‘Relay For Life Isle of Man is about fighting back against this most devastating of diseases which, in one way or another, touches so many of us. To be part of the Relay is to help to take a stand and make a very real difference to many people’s lives, so I offer a huge thank you to absolutely everyone involved.’

In closing Nicola announced that she would be stepping down as the event’s chairman and ‘handing over the baton’ to a new team. Of her fellow committee members she said: ‘Thank you for making my job so enjoyable; each and every one of you has been amazing and inspirational.’

Celton Manx executive director Bill Mummery said: ‘As operator of the global sports book SBOBET, a former sponsor of West Ham United Football Club, Celton Manx has a long-standing involvement with the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, so we understand the effect cancer has on those living with the disease and their loved ones.

‘We recognise the need to advance cancer research so were pleased to sponsor Relay For Life Isle of Man again in 2015. For the event to have raised such a staggering sum is testimony to the power of the multiplier effect which can be achieved when investing in the community. That impressive outcome, though, is only made possible through the unfailing commitment, hard work and dedication of Nicola and her colleagues.

‘In stepping down as event chairman Nicola leaves a tremendous legacy which will serve as an inspiration to those who follow. I wish the new committee every success for the 2016 Relay For Life Isle of Man.’

The 2016 Relay For Life Isle of Man will take place over the weekend of Saturday August 27 and Sunday August 28. Registration is expected to open at the end of November 2015. For more information visit www.cruk.org/relay or follow and like Relay For Life Isle of Man on Facebook.

Photo - Celton Manx executive director Bill Mummery. Photo Marianne McCourt.