FUNDRAISERS have issued an urgent plea for people to unite against cancer and help finance lifesaving research.
Cancer Research UK was forced to cancel mass participation events last year, including Colchester's popular Relay For Life event.
The charity is expecting a £160 million drop in income in the year ahead and has had to make a £44 million cut to lifesaving research funding already in 2020.
Relay For Life raised over £2 million for groundbreaking research in 2019.
Cancer Research UK’s lifesaving work relies on the public’s support and relay members are calling on people to give their support.
People of all ages are being asked to raise vital funds through a range of activities, from online karaoke to quizzes, virtual bingo, head shaves and donations from family, friends and colleagues.
Ken Taylor, volunteer event chair of Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life in Colchester, said: “Relay For Life has, in the past, been a great way to spend time with family, friends and colleagues, while raising money for a truly worthwhile cause.
“Now restrictions have been lifted, we're confident our plans for this year’s event will allow us to return to normal and continue with our much-needed fundraising.”
Relay For Life Colchester 2021 takes place on September 4 and 5 at the Garrison athletics track, starting at 11am with the cancer survivors' lap of honour and then continuing for 24 hours.
Fancy dress - the Silver Fox team opted for a Flintstones theme for the 2019 Relay for Life
The motto is that as “cancer never sleeps, nor do we”.
During the day and evening, there will be live entertainment from musicians such as Gussie Stafford and Curtis Culley.
There will also be a food stall, licensed bar and team stalls.
As dusk falls, there is a short break for the moving and emotional candle of hope ceremony.
Candle bags carrying messages for loved ones touched by cancer are lit and placed around the track, to guide walkers through the night.
The word 'hope' is spelt out in front of the main stage, because fundraisers live in hope of finding a cure.
Mr Taylor added: “One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives.
"Fundraising for Relay For Life is about being part of a community united in the belief it can make a difference.
"Cancer Research UK needs everyone in Colchester to act right now.
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“Covid-19 has made the fight against cancer even harder, but we're determined we will never stop finding new ways to support the challenge of finding a cure for cancer.
“The Colchester committee is looking forward to 2021 with renewed energy and asking the public to get behind us by coming along and supporting our fundraisers.
"We are open to the public from 10.45am through to 11pm.”
There are still some entertainment slots available so please email. jasminemoss891@gmail.com if you are interested in donating some time to this great cause.
For more information about Relay For Life, to offer your support or start fundraising, visit cruk.org/relay or call 0300 1231026.
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