Aberystwyth University participants at the second annual Cancer Research UK Relay For Life walked, crawled, or ran to raise funds for Cancer Research UK over a period of 24 hours from 12pm March 1 to 12pm March 2, at the University Sports Centre.
"Aber students and International Politics lecturers really showed their spirit over that weekend," said Llinos Thomas volunteer chair for the 2008 Cancer Research UK Relay For Life. "Many cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) showed up to participate as well. It was very touching and emotional for all of us."
Relay For Life, Cancer Research UK's signature event, is a life-changing experience that helps us celebrate the lives of those who have received a diagnosis of cancer, remember loved ones lost and to team up against a disease that takes too much.
This unforgettable event raises awareness and funds to save lives, help those touched by cancer, and empower people so that together we can beat cancer.
Altogether, the volunteer committee comprising of Llinos Thomas (Chair), Terry Lynch (Vice-Chair), Natalee Jones (Candle of Hope), Gareth Johns (Accounts) and James Kirkwood (Recruitment) raised a total of approximately £4, 000. "None of this would be possible without the hard work and commitment of our teams", explained James Kirkwood.
Also present was the Vice-Chancellor Professor Noel Lloyd and local Member for Parliament Mark Williams who showed their support to the teams who had come together for one day, one night and for one reason. Both individuals met individual survivors and team captains including Helen Edgar, of the Mathaletes, who raised a rounded £1, 000 more than any other team.
More than 70 people participated - split into 8 teams. The teams were comprised of student groups including 2 Aber RAG teams, SSAGO, Harriers, Trampoline and Relentless. Among these teams was the Department of International Politics, who with Team Captain Jo Strong, walked long into the night in support.
Aber Swing opened the event with a dance performance that followed an emotional survivor's lap of honour. The day continued with various entertainment's and team activities. Despite a marquee being blown over by strong winds, the teams rallied together and had a fantastic weekend that all will remember.
Cancer survivor Lucy Thomson, age 11, let off balloons during the survivor lap.
The Candle of Hope ceremony whereby candles are lit to remember those lost to the disease, to celebrate those who have survived and give hope to others that one day a cure to the disease will be found was the only time the relay stood still in the entire 24 hour event.
Llinos Thomas, Chair, said that money raised in the 2008 Relay For Life will be used to help the vital and pioneering work of Cancer Research UK.
We've got to channel more public attention and money into this vital research. I was inspired to participate by Llinos, who herself is a cancer survivorwhen I met individuals who had survived cancer such as Lucy Thomson, aged 11 and an elderly gentlemen Leslie, aged 80 from Anglesey on the weekend that I felt reaffirmed in why I had dedicated so much effort into this event.
Ta MedDa kindly stayed open for the entire 24 hours and kept the teams fed. Chris Astle, Red Bull Aviator, supplied the tired teams with free supplies of Red Bull to keep their energy levels topped up.
"It was amazing, I loved every minute of it, and I know that everyone else in the teams did" shares Jade Johnson, Aber RAG, "it really is a 24 hours that you never forget".
For more information and details about sponsorship please visit the Relay site."
Article written by Terry Lynch
