On Sunday 29th August at 11am, approximately 42 Teams took to the 'Isle of Man National Sports Centre' track for a 24hr relay in aid of Cancer Research UK.
The event kicked off with a lap by Cancer Survivors who were cheered and clapped round the track. Ten ladies from the Group took part as survivors and after the opening lap, we were treated to champagne and a buffet lunch in the VIP lounge. From there we could watch all the fun on the track. At 8.45pm the Relay stopped for the 'Candle of Hope' ceremony when hundreds of tea lights in white bags with messages on from the loved ones of people who had lost their fight against cancer as well as those who have survived, were laid out in rows. In the middle of the rows coloured glow sticks in bags spelt out 'HOPE' and music played while we read the poignant messages on the bags and then 1 minutes silence for us to remember.The silence was ended by a lone piper playing Ellan Vannin.The NSC pitch was practically waterlogged! It was a very emotional few minutes.
The Relay then continued through the night. (We girls went home to bed!!) We came back at 0930 and walked round with the Teams until 11am when the survivors led off the final lap. Then, there was a closing ceremony and it was announced, that so far, just over £25,000 had been raised, with quite a lot more to come in! This is the first time the event has been held on the Isle of Man but it certainly won't be the last! Next year the Group is entering a Team but I bags doing the day shift!!!
