On 24th August 2013, Relay will be upon us as the fourth Isle of Man Relay For Life supported by Celton Manx will get underway at the NSC at noon. Up to now, 37 teams and over 400 participants have registered for this community event, which this year is set to be one of the summer’s highlights. The event raises funds for Cancer Research UK, now an Isle of Man registered charity, and funds raised on the Island will go to fund centres, treatment and research which directly benefits Isle of Man patients.
Not only the teams, but the whole of the Island community can come down and be part of Relay. This year’s supporters will be next year’s team captains! The organising committee hope that the family friendly activities will increase support for the event, and more importantly for the teams taking part, who have been avidly fundraising prior to the event too.
The event will have all the usual Relay features, which focus on a 24 hour non competitive walking Relay. A VIP reception for cancer survivors will follow the opening lap of honour exclusively for cancer survivors to start off the event. His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and the event sponsor Bill Mummery from Celton Manx will be overseeing the opening ceremony and the start of the Relay. During the ‘funday’ between 12-5pm, entertainment will be provided by Manx Concert Brass, Northern Spirt Baton Twirlers, Rock Vannin Choir, Search for a Star Finalists, and Lynsey Smart. For those with a lot of energy, an aerobics warm up, pilates and fun games and quizzes, together with a Space Hopper race will keep you busy! Adults can treat themselves to a massage, and kids can have their faces painted, watch Cookie the Clown, or take part in lots of kids activities such as a Mini Relay, treasure hunt, and craft activities, followed by the Big Relay Duck Race at 4.30pm. Stalls and refreshments including purple ice cream sold by Davisons Ice Cream, purple scones from Noa Bakehouse and popcorn and candy floss will be available too. Dot Tilbury will be a guest compere, so expect lots of fun! At dusk, the Relay stops while Candles of Hope are lit and line the walking track, signifying hope and remembrance for those loved and lost to cancer. This part of the event is accompanied by a very poignant part of the day where poetry and songs, together with a minutes silence is kept in remembrance. Anyone who wishes to dedicate a candle can do so in return for a donation and is welcome to come and support the event. During the evening there will be a movie night, and hot chocolate and cookies, and the following morning a closing ceremony including entertainment from Sambamann and prize presentations at noon at the close of Relay.
Awareness is an important part of the event, and a Senior Cancer Research UK nurse will be joining the team to provide further information on Cancer Research UK. Many local cancer help charities will also be providing information so as many people as possible can be provided with the information they need for help and support both on and off the Island.
Relay has the colour of purple as an international colour of survivorship, and so the purple theme will run before during and after the event. On Thursday 22nd August 2013, a CRUK Purple Cocktail will be launched at the Bath and Bottle, Victoria Street, Douglas, on sale from 1st September 2013. Noa Bakehouse are also getting in on the purple theme, with the launch of their purple scone this week, and these fantastic scones will be available for sale on the day of Relay. The Tower of Refuge will again be bedecked with a purple glow for the weekend of Relay, thanks to the David Cretney and his Department who have arranged the very special dedication, following the launch of Relay 2013 back in April.
For more information, or an advance copy of the programme for the day, contact the organising committee on relayiom@gmail.com.
