"Relay For Life is an annual, overnight event that takes place in communities across the world. It celebrates the lives of those who have survived cancer and remember those who have been lost.
Usually held around a track - teams made of family, friends and colleagues take turns to walk around the track for 24 hours to reflect that cancer research never stops. While this is happening there are various games, live music and activities creating a carnival atmosphere.
Aberystwyth University was the home of Britain's first ever Youth Relay For Life in 2007 organised by students for the whole community to participate in.
The event was held at the Sports Centre on the Penglais campus on the 10th - 11th March 2007 and was a great success raising around £1200 for Cancer Research UK.
The event was opened by Cancer Survivors within the student and town community who were invited to attend as guests of honour.
Llinos Thomas, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 12, attended the event along with others such as Lucy Thomson, and Sarah McPhee.
"Cancer never killed me but it made me a stronger person. I am proud to be a survivor and I'm now studying for my degree in International Relations" says Llinos, who was the survivorship committee member in the first Relay and is now the Chairperson of Relay 2008.
Families touched by cancer will get a chance to celebrate the lives of their loved ones lost through cancer at the Candle of Hope ceremony whereby candles are placed in bags with written messages that combine to reinforce the hope that one day a cure to cancer will be found. If you wish to dedicate a candle, please contact Natalee Jones on nkj7@aber.ac.uk.
Relay will be taking place next year at the Sports Centre from 12pm 1st March 2008 - 12pm 2nd March 2008 (24 Hours) and all are invited to attend. 200 people are expected to partake and we need you to make it a bigger and even more successful event.
For more information and details about sponsorship please visit the Relay site."
Article written by Terry Lynch
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Lucy Thomson, Aberystwyth
I am a Cancer Survivor and I attended the Relay For Life last year in Aber. It was great to walk round on the opening lap and also other laps too. In fact the whole event was lots of fun with lots of things going on. The Candle of Hope ceremony was very special and very emotional. I am looking forward to being part of next year's Relay For Life.
Tue Nov 13 09:16:04 2007
Mbeki Salerno from Aberystwyth
I have never attended a relay for life before but I am looking forward to this as it will provide an excellent opportunity to do some good while enjoying oneself. I know Terry personally and know he will make the event a terrific success.
Tue Nov 6 14:33:52 2007
James Williams, Brecon
Had great fun at the last Relay For Life. I'll be back again this year. The SSAGO team made a banner that was an inspiration to the troops, each team should do the same. Brilliant idea, fun night.
Sun Nov 4 19:17:55 2007
Donald Pollard, Machynlleth
I went to the Relay last year and it was fantastic. Such an eclectic atmosphere with live bands, entertainments and camping for team members. It was a shame that I wasn't a student at Aberystwyth - that was an event they can be proud of! See you at the next Relay!
Thu Nov 1 14:41:43 2007
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