Relay for Life Castlebar is a 24-hour event bringing the local community together to celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer. It will run from 5pm next Saturday 15 Sep 2012 to 5pm on Sunday.

Jennifer Hunt, herself a cancer survivor, decided to bring a Relay for Life event to Castlebar to highlight how many people actually survive cancer. In her own words, “when I was diagnosed, it was like being given a death sentence. I wanted to do something to counter this attitude, so when the Irish Cancer Society asked me, I jumped at the opportunity”.

The event is opened by cancer survivors proudly wearing their purple survivors’ t-shirts and being clapped, celebrated and cheered on by all others present. After this teams keep one member on the track for the 24hrs to remind us that cancer never sleeps.

At 9.30pm on the Sat evening there will be a Candle of Hope ceremony to remember all those affected by cancer. People buy a candle bag and write messages, decorate or even add a photo in honour of their special person.

The ceremony is a very moving part of the event

Relay Castlebar are actively encouraging parents to bring their children and teenagers along to this event so they can have a more positive experience around cancer and see for themselves how many people survive this illness.

There will be loads and loads of exciting entertainment and games for children – a puppet show, a children’s disco, and games too numerous to list.

There will also be entertainment right throughout the 24 hours from live bands to comedy, dancing, X-factor and all sorts of games.
Come along and see for yourselves.