AROUND 400 walkers of all ages, shapes and sizes, took part in the Cancer Research Relay for Life event at the NSC in August.

The fundraising initiative saw teams of walkers and their supporters take part in the 24-hour marathon event which culminated in a Candle of Hope.

Two long lines of candles were positioned along the side of the NSC running track each with a very touching personal message for a lost relative or friend.

Some of the candle covers featured photographs of loved ones - others had detailed personal messages, some were humorous and many simply sent a message such as 'We miss you Mummy' and 'To Dad'.

A section of the candles was deliberately placed to show the word "hope". One, however, standing at the end of the NSC finishing straight perhaps summed it all up best of all - 'In Memory of All Those Who Have Gone'.

This year’s Relay for Life event raised £43,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Update: The Isle of Man was praised by Cancer Research UK for its "fantastic contribution" to the Relay for Life event in November. For more on this story click here.

This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.