With more than 400 participants already signed up and just a short time before registration closes, this year’s Relay For Life Isle of Man on August 23rd,  sponsored by Celton Manx, looks set to raise record funds for Cancer Research UK - now an Isle of Man-registered charity funding life-saving treatment for cancer patients.

Event chairman Nicola Walkingshaw said: ‘Last year we had 33 teams and a target of ?50,000 but succeeded in raising more than ?63,000; this year we already have 49 teams registered and a target of ?65,000. That’s an ambitious figure but past experience has shown that the Isle of Man gets behind this event with tremendous enthusiasm, so we have every hope that we’ll achieve and perhaps even exceed our target yet again.

‘It’s thanks to the continued support of our lead sponsor, Celton Manx, that we have the resources to raise the profile of Relay For Life Isle of Man, reach as wide an audience as possible and attract such a loyal and generous following. This saw Relay For Life Isle of Man singled out by Cancer Research UK as one of seven top-performing relays in the UK in 2013. Our committee and supporters are just incredible.

‘While the 24-hour relay at the NSC is central to the day’s programme, Relay For Life Isle of Man is very much a community event with a broad appeal. We have a great family fun day lined up from 12 noon complete with entertainers, bands, face painting, games for the whole family, bouncy castles, stalls and this year even a car boot sale.

‘The focus of all that we do, though, is working to beat cancer sooner and celebrate life. To this end there will be a survivors’ lap of honour at the official opening at 12 noon.  I am delighted to say we have 50 survivors already signed up to join us, some of whom are now captaining their own teams and joining the fight.  The Candle of Hope ceremony at 8.45pm, traditionally a deeply moving occasion when we invite people to dedicate a candle in memory or celebration of a loved one, is increasingly popular year on year, so there are many ways in which the general public can come along and really be part of something very special.

‘Simply put, Relay For Life Isle of Man is a clarion call to action which shows that united we are stronger than cancer, and this event allows us to “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.”’

Celton Manx executive director Bill Mummery, who will join His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Mr Adam Wood in the opening ceremony, said: ‘I am pleased that continued support from Celton Manx is helping Nicola and her team raise vital funds for advancing cancer research.

‘Campaigns such as Relay For Life are changing attitudes and serving as an inspiration to those affected directly or indirectly by a disease which is now discussed with candour rather than spoken of in hushed tones.’

There’s still time to get involved with Relay For Life Isle of Man on August 23rd. Call Nicola on 454789 or email marketing@relay.co.im for any more information.

Photo: Bill Mummery, Executive Director of Celton Manx