THE Isle of Man Relay for Life, in aid of Cancer Research, is continuing tonight and through the night at the NSC, aiming to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.
Hundreds of walkers and their supporters will remain at the NSC overnight to complete the 24-hour marathon, spurred on by what has been an emotional day, culminating this evening in the wonderful spectacle of the Candle of Hope ceremony at 9pm.
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’. Only short sentences, but with so much meaning for those left behind.
The words expressed on this exceptional evening showed a mixture of emotions - expressing happy memories, funny events of life, but tinged with a wide range of emotions, ranging from sadness and shock, through happiness and relief, and then on to frustration and anger.
A minute’s silence was perfectly observed, apart from the brief but gentle sound of a very small child, too young to understand the occasion. Strangely, it reminded the hundreds who stood in silence remembering their loved ones that there is hope for everyone, especially the young who are growing up in a world where there are new discoveries resulting from the never-ending research which goes on all over the planet every minute of every day.
Indeed, 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’.
By the end of the 24-hour relay the hope for the Isle of Man is that another magnificent sum of money is raised to go towards more cancer research projects, and possible cures and life-saving treatments.
Last year the figure was an incredible £44,000. This year, with a major headline sponsorship donation from Celton Manx, the event has been given a huge boost, although it’s accepted that in the current economic climate that another £44,000 might be much more difficult to achieve.
With the magnificent trademark generosity of the Isle of Man residents, the theme of the day - hope - is very much on everyone’s minds this weekend for those giving their all at the NSC.
