Relay For Life Aylesbury has broken the half million pound barrier after raising more than £80,000 so far in 2016.
As this year’s Relay came to an end on Sunday (July 3rd) at Aylesbury Rugby Club, a cheque for £84,292.81 was presented to Lucie Edy from Cancer Research UK.
Since Relay launched in Aylesbury in 2009 the event has raised £532,908.81.
The final total for 2016 will be revealed in September after banking closes on July 30,2016.
Relay For Life Aylesbury Chair Paul Kirby said the amount raised so far in 2016 is unbelievable:
“Each year I am staggered that our teams, supporters, their friends and families continue to break all targets and previous records for fundraising.
“We are all raising money with one aim – to beat cancer sooner – and we can’t thank the people of Aylesbury enough for their support.”
Heavy rain showers on Saturday afternoon failed to dampen the spirits of the 25 teams of Relayers who kept at least one member on the walking track throughout the 24-hour event. In total 501 Relayers took part, including 40 cancer survivors.
Relay For Life Aylesbury was opened by Aylesbury MP David Lidington and also visited by the town’s Mayor Barbara Russell and Deputy Mayor Tom Hunter-Watts.
Those participating included James Treherne from Berkshire, a veteran Relayer who has so far completed 19 Relays, walking his 1,000th mile at the Aylesbury event on Sunday morning. He was presented with a commemorative glass plaque to celebrate his achievement.
The Relay For Life also include a moving Candle of Hope ceremony to remember those who’ve lost their lives to cancer, and to celebrate those currently fighting the disease.
Relay For Life Aylesbury 2017 will take place from 12 noon on Saturday July 1st. To receive information about the event when it opens for registration in November please email relayaylesburyteams@gmail.com.
Pictured above are the winners of the Spirit of Relay Award 2016, Haddenham Hopefuls.