A rallying cry has been issued to Midleton runners and walkers to lace up their trainers and take part in this year’s Relay for Life to raise vital funds for the Cancer Association.

This is the fifth year of the event in the East Cork town, which last year raised over €40,000.

Elaine Duggan, one of the event organisers, said they were “blown away” with the support received for past events.

The Midleton woman said the committee is hoping to better last year’s figure to help fund vital research and services, giving hope to those battling cancer.

Teams of ten are being urged to sign up and raise money for research into the causes, treatment and prevention of the disease.

Entrants will pay a join up fee of €10 and can either register online at www.cancer.ie or register on the day.

Teams must have at least one member walking at all times for twenty four hours.

In 2018 more than four million people took part in the event in over twenty countries.

This year almost 90 people of all ages will wear their purple “survivor” shirts and will be pampered for the day as they take part in the twenty four hour fundraising event at Midleton CBS on Saturday 24 August to Sunday 25 August, from 3:00pm to 3:00pm.

Walking for twenty four hours can be tough, but it’s nothing compared to what many with caner endure.

Elaine, herself a cancer survivor, explains “Purple is an important colour for someone with cancer. Just before the sun comes up the sky is purple. Every morning a cancer survivor is happy to wake up to a new day, that’s why purple is so important.”

Mrs Duggan added “as the evening begins to draw in on Saturday, 24 August everyone is encouraged to come together in a Candle of Hope ceremony. Candles will line the track in a fitting tribute to those whose lives have been affected by cancer and as a mark of respect to those who are no longer with us.

More information about the Relay for Life is available on line at https://www.cancer.ie or through the group face book page Relay for Life Midleton or by calling Elaine on 086-8341074.

Candle bags for the ‘Candle of Hope’ ceremony can be pre-purchased at €5 per bag, by contacting the group.

Bags will be individually numbered and will be burned on behalf of those who cannot attend the 24 hour event.

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