Janet calls for people to sign up to Relay For Life

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

A TWYFORD woman is calling on residents to take part in a 24-hour fundraiser for Cancer Research UK.

Now in its 15th year, the Relay For Life Ascot event has already raised over £1.2million for the charity.

Teams take it in turn to walk around the track and the night ends with the poignant Candle of Hope ceremony in memory and celebration of loved ones.

Janet who has taken part in the last six Relays and is now a team captain described it as “tears, laughter and wall-to-wall fun”.

“Like many other people I have seen family members and loved ones go through a cancer diagnosis,” she continues.

“While obviously devastating for the individual it is also devastating for those close to them.

“I always felt so helpless and one of the only ways I could help was to focus my energies in raising money for Cancer Research UK and Relay For Life is a Fun way of doing that.

“The whole event brings you close to people who are either survivors or have lost someone very dear to them and it’s like a big family event.” n To join, log on to: www.relayforlifeascot.co.uk

Janet added more teams were needed for the 24-hour walk which takes place at the Ascot Racecourse over the weekend of July 22-23, and starts with a lap of honour by local cancer survivors and their supporters who are then treated to afternoon tea.

A variety of stalls, games and music from local performers provide entertainment for the whole family.

As the event continues throughout the night, team members not on the track rest, eat, or sleep in their tents and soak up the unique Relay atmosphere.

The Candle of Hope ceremony sees bags decorated with touching messages –in memory or in celebration of loved ones –filled with sand and lit up with candles around the Windsor Enclosure.

Entry to Relay is free, you can take part by starting a team or taking part as a survivor.