Step out for the Relay for Life

Preparations are well under way for this year’s Relay for Life event in Ballymena.
Billie Young, Calvin Young, Diane Young, Lisa Kirkwood, Abbie Kirkwood and Joan Turner with the help of Darth Vader and his storm trooper promoting the Ballymena Relay for Life raising money for Cancer Research. INBT08-278ACBillie Young, Calvin Young, Diane Young, Lisa Kirkwood, Abbie Kirkwood and Joan Turner with the help of Darth Vader and his storm trooper promoting the Ballymena Relay for Life raising money for Cancer Research. INBT08-278AC
Billie Young, Calvin Young, Diane Young, Lisa Kirkwood, Abbie Kirkwood and Joan Turner with the help of Darth Vader and his storm trooper promoting the Ballymena Relay for Life raising money for Cancer Research. INBT08-278AC

The 24-hour charity event in aid of Cancer Research returns to Eaton Park on June 14-15 and a special launch event was held in the Fairhill Centre last week.

The event returns after a brief hiatus for the past couple of years but organisers are hoping this year’s is the biggest and best yet.

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A number of teams have already registered but it’s very much a case of ‘the more the merrier’.

“We really want this year to be the best yet and to raise as much as we can for Cancer Research,” Lisa Kirkwood, Chair of the Ballymena Relay committee, said..

The Relay for Life runs over 24 hours and anyone can get involved by putting a team together.

Teams are made up of eight to 15 people and as Lisa added: “The more you have on your team, the less walking you’ll have to do, as someone from each team has to be walking at all times. “

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Teams raise as much money as possible in the months leading up to the event through a wide range of fundraising activities and securing donations from friends, families and work colleagues, so the sooner you register, the sooner you can get fundraising.

While the walking’s going on, there will be events going on throughout the day and night to keep the rest of the team amused including tug-o-war, karaoke, and team challenges.

As well as the fun and games, there is a more poignant side to the event with the Candle of Hope ceremony on the Saturday evening.

“The ceremony involves the dedication of candles to loved ones who have passed away and to celebrate those that are still amongst us,” Lisa said.

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Putting out a rallying call for teams to take part, Lisa said: “We would love for local businesses to get involved this year either through helping with the organising of the event or by entering a team.”

Even if you can’t get a team together you can donate a Candle of Hope in memory or celebration of a loved one.

You can register your team using the links at relay.cancerresearchuk.org

For further information, get in touch with Lisa by emailing lisakirkwood@hotmail.co.uk or visit the

Ballymena CRUK Relay for Life 2014 Facebook page.

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