Over 800 people took to the National Sports Centre on Saturday 26th August to Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back against Cancer raising an amazing amount of ?100,000 – this amount will continue to grow as more donations come in.
The 24-hour event delivered smiles, tears, and an unforgettable experience that many will cherish for years to come. Miss Relay, tent pitches to rival Glastonbury, great music (including sessions by talented locals) and an incredible commitment from both local businesses and people, not to mention the stupendous fundraising achievement.
Participants raise money over the year leading up to the event, competing to be the #1 fundraising team, with the event raising over ?600,000 in the past 7 years for Cancer Research UK.
Survival rates of people affected by cancer are currently 2 in 4, but Cancer Research UK’s goal is to improve that to 3 in 4 by 2034. Paula Jones, Senior Local Fundraising Manager, said: “Thanks to Cancer Research UK’s work, more people are surviving cancer than ever before. Survival rates have doubled over the last 40 years and the charity’s work has been at the heart of that progress.
“Cancer Research UK wants to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured and we would like to thank the wonderful Manx community, who are helping us to save many more lives through their year-round fundraising, which funds research taking place in the North West. It was an inspirational weekend and I would like to thank everyone involved in making the event such a fantastic success.”
This year saw new headline sponsors PokerStars join the Relay family, Sue Hammett, Head of Corporate Giving from PokerStars was amongst the 800+ people who took part in the 24-hour event.
She said: “PokerStars were delighted to have become part of the Relay family this year and the outcome has exceeded our expectations. To see so many people from our Island coming together for this amazing cause was inspiring. Our team of relayers were very proud to have been part of the event too and despite some sore tired legs, are already talking about next year’s event. Congratulations to everyone involved ‘
Lynn Bell, Chair commented: “When we announced the initial total (?97,886.41) as of 11:45, we were shocked to tears, people were astounded by the result of their hard work, but it didn’t stop there… by the time we had packed up our tents and drove home, our fundraising had hit the ?100,000 mark, and we still have until October 22nd until our final total is revealed. The kindness and generosity the community of the Isle of Man has to offer is insurmountable, and every penny will help bring forward the day that all cancers are cured.”
To find out more about Relay For Life, email isleofman@cruk.im or visit www.cancer.org.uk/relay.
