The Celton Manx Cancer Research UK Relay For Life will be taking place this weekend, 27th and 28th August at the National Sports Centre. The first relay was staged on the island last year and raised a staggering ?44,000 for Cancer Research UK. Teams from all over the island will gather again this Saturday to take part in the 24 hour relay walk around the NSC athletics track. A special VIP reception for cancer survivors will be held after His Worship the Mayor of Douglas leads the first lap of the track to mark the start of the event. The only time during the 24 hours when the track is empty is for the Candle of Hope Ceremony. At dusk, candles are lit and placed inside Candle of Hope bags, decorated in dedication to a cancer survivor or a loved one lost to cancer. Last year, over 400 Candle of Hope bags were dedicated to those touched by cancer. Throughout the day there will be entertainment for all the family, which members of the public are invited to attend, to help motivate the relay teams. All day there will be fun and games with the team from media partner 3FM and from 16.30 there will be music from Liam Moorehouse, Joey Wylde and Simon Lynch. Celton Manx Executive Director Bill Mummery said: ‘1 in 3 people will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives and I am sure we all know somebody whose life has been touched by cancer in some way. The money raised by Relay For Life is donated directly to Cancer Research UK to benefit research centres in Liverpool where the majority of Manx cancer patients are treated. Celton Manx is committed to working with initiatives which benefit our local community and we are very pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile event. I wish the teams the best of luck and encourage everyone to get down to the NSC to cheer on the walkers this weekend.’ Chairman of Isle of Man Relay For Life Gaynor Haxby said: ‘We are delighted to have Celton Manx as our main sponsor for the event. Now that all of the costs of hosting the event have been covered, all of the money raised can be put towards helping to beat cancer. We are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather and I am looking forward to seeing lots of supporters there on the day.’ Special Celton Manx Relay for Life wristbands are available to buy for ?1 and knitted teddy bears for ?5. The event starts at 12noon on Saturday 27th August and everyone is welcome to come along. Follow the Isle of Man Relay on Twitter: twitter.com/relayiom or tune into 3fm for regular updates on Relay. ENDS