WALKERS who marched through the night have raised more than £65,000 in the fight against cancer.
Dunbar’s second Relay for Life was held outside the town’s Hallhill Sports Centre earlier this month, with more than 300 people taking part in the event.
Organisers are hopeful that the fundraising total, which will go to Cancer Research UK, will surpass last year’s event.
Elaine Lennon, organiser of the event, was “incredibly proud” of her home town and the “dedication of our small committee who worked incredibly hard to make it happen”.
She said: “It was another incredible 24 hours.
“The sun was shining, the committee had planned and prepared well, and the people of Dunbar and surroundings joined together in the fight to beat cancer.
“Even more people signed up to take part at some point this year – 350 team members/survivors compared to 250 last year!
“There were also members of the public who came to support by buying tombola tickets, cakes, lucky dips and much more.
“The live bands and dancers also brought a wider audience that continues through the day until the Candle of Hope ceremony at dusk.”
The fundraiser is focused around a 24-hour relay where team members take it in turns to walk around a track to show that, by working together, cancer will be beaten.
Special moments take place over the 24 hours, including opening the event with a survivors’ lap and also dedicating candles to someone who has passed away, a friend or family member living with cancer, a loved one who has survived, or hope for the future.
Elaine was previously diagnosed with breast cancer, while her brother Greig died from kidney cancer in 2007 at the age of 40.
Her dad Duncan,was also previously diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Elaine, who told the Courier that the official fundraising total would be unveiled at a special event on August 5, said that the Relay for Life always proved an emotional occasion.
She said: “These moments were so beautiful, with even more survivors taking part and young piper Blake led us for the first lap.
“There were certainly tears and smiles as team members followed us around, the Candle of Hope ceremony and survivors lunch were beautiful moments to remember and reflect, and also a time for hope and celebration as more of us are beating this disease. Together, we are creating a future where we will beat cancer.”
Elaine thanked everyone for their support and added that there was “a real desire” to support the cause.
For more details, email relaydunbar@gmail.com
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