THE Cancer Research ‘Relay for Life’ reaches its climax at lunchtime today (Sunday) when the hundreds of walkers taking part complete their 24-hour walk at the NSC.

Celton Manx has provided generous sponsorship for the event which is in its second year after the major success of the inaugural event in 2010, raising a fantastic £44,000 for Cancer Research.

The generous headline sponsorship by Celton Manx gave this year’s event a major financial platform from which to stage this year’s relay which has support from across the Isle of Man community with teams from all walks of life.

Last night provided an emotional occasion for the hundreds of walkers and supporters who set up camp at the NSC for this year’s relay.

The Candle of Hope ceremony, at dusk, gave those in attendance the chance to share their many different experiences and to look at the many hundreds of candles, each with their own personal message, recalling a loved one.

A minute’s silence was the perfect opportunity for everyone to join together in memory of their friends and relatives lost over the years to cancer, but also for some to celebrate their survival and their hopes for the future.

isleofman.com was there to cover the event for much of the 24 hours, from the start and into the late evening. Radio station 3FM has also been covering the event throughout.

The 'Relay for Life’ ends on Sunday lunchtime at 12 noon.

It is hoped that fund raising will come close to last year’s remarkable figure of £44,000. The public are invited to attend the final hours of the relay on Sunday morning. Donations can be made at the NSC.